ON ABSCESS. 
157 
nomenon of an abscess on each side, corresponding in locality to 
each other, had appeared. These abscesses were situated opposite 
and external to the inferior cartilages of the tenth and eleventh 
ribs. There was also considerable lameness in the near hind 
quarter, and sensitiveness in the corresponding loin ; without any 
apparent inflammation or congestion in the thigh or groin. The 
animal was feverish, weak, disspirited, and off his feed. A 
third purulent collection had formed internally in the lumbar re- 
gion. The abscesses on the sides shortly pointed, and were dis- 
charged. The internal collection continued to manifest its exist- 
ence for some time ; but became absorbed, and eliminated from the 
circulating mass, without proving further hurtful to the vital 
functions, and the colt did well. 
Cases of this kind are not unfrequent. They may be over- 
looked or misunderstood ; a circumstance not much to be wondered 
at, when we consider the general impression received or imbibed 
both from authors and teachers ; strongly associating strangles with 
the suppurative tumour in the maxillary channel. Consequently, 
should not the formation of the purulent tumour take place in the 
last-named situation, the strangles, although existing, is neither 
suspected nor observed. 
I must here repeat, that I do not consider the formation of abscess 
as essential to the fever of strangles ; and the conception of it as a 
process for the elimination of an obnoxious matter from the system, 
is untenable upon any principles of pathology or physiology. If 
it was the object of the constitution to effect such a purpose, 
the mucous surfaces, the kidnies, and the skin afford abundant 
emunctories to accomplish this end, and with far less disturbance 
to the vital powers — an object of consequence, and invariably 
regarded by the all- wise arrangement of the animal economy. 
But I am in some degree deviating from the subject of my Essay. 
It should be recollected, that two actions are constantly going 
forward in the surface of an abscess ; first, exhalation or secretion ; 
and, secondly, absorption ; and whatever tends to irritate, increases 
the secretion, while that is lessened by whatever diminishes and 
soothes them. Absorption is also promoted by the latter causes. 
Instances occur in which the fluid or matter of abscess is ab- 
sorbed, and the parts restored to their usual health, without either 
cicatrix or other deformity ; and, in such cases, the purulent mat- 
ter is discharged from the circulating fluid, previous to accumulat- 
ing to an extent hurtful to the constitution, by the unimpaired 
functions of the kidnies, mucous surfaces of the bowels, or other 
emunctories. 
In some instances abscesses remain stationary, producing little or 
no inconvenience, the inflammatory action in them being trifling, 
