144 
ON RABIES CANINA. 
simple. This exquisite sensibility will not be needed in them. 
It is a law of* nature, that where extraordinary function is 
required, extraordinary sensibility and power are bestowed ; but 
if the function is simple, and the work easily accomplished, less 
feeling and less energy are supplied. This is benevolent and 
wise. Quadrupeds have also a mechanism peculiar to each, 
and in a great measure independent of the glottis. The horse 
has a falciform membrane, attached by its middle to the thyroid 
cartilage, and its extremities extending to the margin of the 
rima glottidis. • The ass has a similar apparatus, with an exca¬ 
vation under the thyroid cartilage, and two membranous sacs. 
The cat has a delicate membrane under the liscament of the 
• • ® . 
glottis. The swine has membranous bags of a considerable 
size ; and the ventriculi laryngis of the dog are very large. 
With this additional mechanism for the production of the 
voice, the extreme’ sensibility of the human larynx is not re¬ 
quired ; and nature bestows not that which the necessity of the 
animal does not demand. 
Considerable affection, however, of these parts attends every 
case of rabies in the dog. The involuntary and peculiar howl, 
the choaking noise attendant on each respiration, and the blush 
of inflammation, more or less intense, which every dissection 
presents, sufficiently evince it. 
If we do not observe the dreadful spasms by \vhich the human 
being is tortured, let it be remembered that they are not excited 
by the passage of solid food. Fluids alone have this power, 
from their beins; brouo;ht into more intimate contact with the 
inflamed and irritable surface. 
It can easily be imagined, that the decreased sensibility 
which more limited and simple function requires, would render 
those membranes, which are indifferent to the passage of solids, 
unaffected by fluids, &c. 
The mystery, therefore, is in some degree unravelled; and 
we not only cease to be surprised that rabies should be charac¬ 
terized by hydrophobia in the human subject, while there is no 
dread of water in the brute; but a consideration of the structure 
and functions of the larynx in man and the inferior aniuials, 
leads us to expect that something like this will occur. 
(To be continued,) _ - 
Cases or Communications, addressed to the Edito?' of the Veterinarian^ at the 
Printer s, (post paid) will meet with due consideration. 
John Hill, Printer, Black Horse Court, Fleet Street, 
