537 
THE ROT (LA CACHEXIE AQUEUSE) IN SHEEP, 
AS OBSERVED IN EGYPT BY MM. HAMONT, FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR 
OF THE VETERINARY SCHOOL OF ABOU-ZABEL, AND S. FISCHER, 
PROFESSOR OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY AT THE SAME SCHOOL. 
[We translate this essay of Messrs. Hamont and Fischer, 
transmitted to the valued instructor and friend of the former of 
them, M. Dupuy, not because it gives a view of the proximate 
cause of the Rot in Sheep which we are disposed to adopt, but 
because it illustrates some of the principal points of pathology 
which divide both the French medical and veterinary schools; 
it pourtrays to the life the manner in which the principles of 
medicine are unfolded by the continental professors, and in 
which also their disputes are conducted, where calm and le¬ 
gitimate reasoning, and gentlemanly feelings and conduct, are 
not quite forgotten. 
The graphic description of the rot in Egypt —its habitation— 
its periodical appearance and retreat—the circumstances with 
which it is connected—its symptoms during life, and the traces 
which it leaves behind it, are invaluable. The pathologist and 
the practical man will draw many an important and useful conclu¬ 
sion from them.] Y. 
HAMONT AND FISCHER ON THE ROT. 
La Cachexie Aqueuse, or the rot, known in Egypt by the name 
of Di/ssa, is a disease of frequent occurrence in France, England, 
Germany, the low countries of Italy, and in Egypt, after the in¬ 
undations. It is observed in Egypt in the sheep, the rabbit, the 
hare, poultry, and sometimes in the horse, the mule, the ox, the 
dog, and the silkworm. It is always dangerous; generally 
epizootic or enzootic; and characterized by cedema, at first partial, 
and afterwards general; infiltration of the visible mucous mem¬ 
branes, tumours under the jaw, diminution of temperature, de¬ 
jection, a staggering gait, swelling of the whole body, and 
diarrhoea. It is considered by some to be an essential disease ; 
others regard it as merely symptomatic. 
It assumes its most serious character after heavy rains and 
extensive floods, and in wet countries covered with aquatic 
plants. It affects animals of different ages, and in all seasons. 
It appears every year in Egypt after the fall of the Nile, and 
it follows and keeps pace with the subsidence of the waters. 
In the superior parts of Upper Egypt it commences about the 
