MILK FEVER, OR ABDOMINAL NEURALGIA. 531 
It is true that the veterinary profession has not arrived at matu- 
rity, but happily it counts among its numbers many possessed of 
much of this world’s goods, and who have hearts to feel for another’s 
woe. The hands of such would, I have no doubt, be liberally stretch- 
ed forth, were there a channel rightly appointed to convey the boon. 
I have, therefore, thought that a Veterinary Benevolent 
Society might be founded for the relief of those members of the 
profession who are in distressed circumstances from mental or bodily 
infirmity, or who, from other causes, shall be considered as requiring 
and deserving assistance, and this relief may even extend to their 
families after their decease. 
I have thrown out the hint. Propositions are easily made ; but 
before a subject can be brought to bear, many circumstances are to 
be taken into account, and various matters cautiously weighed. I 
would merely suggest that the Society should consist of the usual 
officers, all honorary, viz., a president, twelve vice-presidents, who 
shall be directors, a treasurer, and a secretary. That the members 
shall pay a subscription of one guinea annually, and, after they 
have paid ten guineas, shall be eligible to receive relief; which, if 
they never should want, it will be the better for those whose path- 
way through life has been less favoured, and on whom the rod of 
affliction has rested. All the members of a profession can hardly 
anticipate uninterrupted prosperity. Uncontrollable events will 
arise ; and although I am decidedly of opinion that the greater num- 
ber of what are designated misfortunes are those of our own seek- 
ing, yet I do know that the most careful and the most prudent have 
been sometimes brought low ; and those whose morning of life was 
the brightness of sunshine have had the evening close in with 
darkness and clouds. The friends of their prosperity have for- 
saken them, and, in a state of almost abject poverty, they have 
alone contended with the storm, too proud to beg, and too honest to 
steal. It is for such the Society of which I have spoken would be 
formed ; and, surely, there are those who will lend a helping hand. 
MILK fever, or abdominal neuralgia 
(RARELY PRIMARY, OR CONCURRENT PERITONITIS.) 
By Mr . Robert Read, V.S., Crediton. 
During thirteen years’ extensive practice in a good and rich 
landed district, I have seen many cases of puerperal fever. I 
have, however, been more fortunate of late years in the treatment 
of it, than on the onset of my career ; as I then could not divest 
