242 IDIOFATHIC TETANUS IN A YEARLING FILLY. 
1 at once bled as largely as I dared, without producing syncope, 
which, although it had its effect on the hard and full character of 
the pulse, gave but very slight remission to the spasmodic con¬ 
tractions. I, however, succeeded in giving a purgative of the 
farina of croton, fifteen grains, and blistered the spine throughout 
its whole course, and administered an injection of gruel with 3iss 
of pulV. opii. On visiting my patient in a few hours, I found the 
jaws nearly closed, but gave a ball of extr. belladonna and camphor, 
each two drachms, passing it as high up into the back part of 
the mouth as possible from the end of a small stick, though I had 
great difficulty, in consequence of the spasms of the muscles of the 
pharynx so impeding the power of deglutition; indeed, the effort 
was most convulsive and distressing to see. 
I now further stimulated the spine with a renewed application 
of the ung. cantharides, and remained with the sufferer for some 
little time. There certainly soon appeared a slight remission of 
the symptoms, which, however, gave but a delusive hope. I 
availed myself of this temporary relaxation to give another dose of 
the croton, ten grains, the anus being completely closed, and re¬ 
peated the injection. At my next visit, late in the evening, she 
was down; the disease, despite all my efforts, had extended itself 
over the whole muscles of the trunk and extremities. The head 
and neck were raised and thrown over towards the back in a most 
extraordinary degree, presenting that division or form of this dis¬ 
ease termed opisthotonos. I had a skin just removed from a sheep 
applied over the back, and friction to the extremities, which were 
extended and stiffened out to the utmost. 
The spasmodic contractions are now so increased, that respira¬ 
tion is performed with the utmost anguish: nothing can possibly 
be more distressing to behold, and profuse sweats mark the strong 
character of the convulsions. I therefore removed the sheep-skin, 
which had, perhaps, been on about an hour, or little more. The 
next morning I found her still in the same unhappy condition, 
and learned from the man that had remained with her that there 
had been no alteration whatever: the croton had acted once, though 
very slightly. 
I now determined to try the effect of cold, and had ice applied 
all over the back and body, which, however, was perfectly un¬ 
availing. The pulse was scarcely perceptible. I endeavoured 
as well as possible to place another dose of the extr. belladonna 
and camphor in the mouth, but in a few hours death closed the 
scene. 
I must now express my regret, that I can but certify to the de¬ 
feat of so many of our remedial agents employed in this terrible 
malady; but, before I conclude, I nyist state my firm conviction. 
