690 
ON ABORTION IN CATTLE. 
operation of any of the predisposing causes already mentioned. 
On this account I was induced to recommend the employment of 
bloodletting, as soon as any bad symptoms exhibited themselves; 
but I had only a single opportunity of seeing its effects in a case 
which has lately shewed symptoms of abortion, and in which 
venesection was practised with apparent benefit, as the cow has 
gone on very well since. No preventive means were adopted in 
any of the other cases. As I feel very much at a loss to account 
for this occurrence in a satisfactory manner, I shall be happy to 
hear the opinion of any of my professional brethren; and should 
these remarks, by future investigation, throw any light upon the 
subject, they are much at your service. 
ON ABORTION IN CATTLE. 
By M. Hurtrel d’Arboval. 
[We present our readers wdth a valuable treatise on abortion by 
this talented writer. It is translated from the second edition of his 
Dictionary of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. The Essay of 
Mr. Wood, combined with the ably written article of the French 
philosopher, will lay some foundation for a better knowledge of 
the cause and treatment of this most destructive malady. How 
many of our correspondents could favour us with some valuable 
observations on this ill-understood subject!—Y.] 
Abortion is the accidental expulsion of the foetus—premature 
parturition—or that which is accomplished before its time, ft occa¬ 
sionally takes place among all the females of our domesticated ani¬ 
mals, and at every period of gestation. The foetus is generally 
dead, or expiring, or rarely with vigour sufficient to sustain life. 
It is necessary to distinguish between abortion and premature 
parturition. In the latter the expulsion of the foetus may take place 
before the ordinary period of gestation is expired; but that period 
was not far distant, and the little animal is sufficiently developed, 
and unites sufficient of the vital elements, to live, sometimes at 
least, if any interest is taken in its preservation. 
It is not the same with the expulsion of the foetus at a period 
nearer to its conception, for then, being less perfectly formed, and 
less strong, it fails in the conditions necessary to life, and soon 
dies, if it is not already dead in the uterine cavity. In the human 
species infants which are born about the end of the seventh month 
from the period of conception may live, and do generally live. 
Reasoning from analogy, we should be disposed to admit that it 
