DESCENT OF THE OMENTUM. 
391 
tion is not so frivolous as at first sight it may appear. In our pro¬ 
fession knowledge is of much more consequence than manual dex¬ 
terity ; and as knowledge is easily handed from one to others, we 
ought to improve very rapidly. If every practitioner could see and 
describe things just as they are, we should very soon know all that 
can be known. No individual, however long his life or favourable 
his opportunities, can possibly see all things; but each has seen 
so much, that, if all could be combined, our knowledge would be 
very much augmented, and in time complete. Every one, too, is 
in possession of facts which he has little use for, but which in other 
circumstances w'ould be important. The simplest mode of bring¬ 
ing such facts to light is to seek them. 
I w^ould therefore propose a system of catechising, by which there 
would be an easy and simple exchange of knowledge. Hitherto it 
has been the custom to write formal articles of several pages, and 
to give more than to seek information. This is one good way of 
diffusing knowledge, but there is no reason why it should be the 
only way. I suggest the catechising mode as a useful addition to 
it. Many will be willing to write an answer who would never 
think of writing an essay or a history. 
I have more questions to ask than I care to mention just now. 
The following may serve as examples:— 
Are broken-winded mares barren ? 
Does stringhalt ever make a horse less fit for work than he would 
be without it 1 
What evils attend the loss of a jugular vein ] 
How long may a crib-biter live 1 
Has grogginess of two months’ standing ever been perfectly cured ? 
How soon may specific ophthalmia produce visible cataract 1 
What is the use of nosology 1 
CASES OF EXTENSIVE OR TOTAL DESCENT OF 
THE OMENTUM. 
j5g Mr. W. Baker, Sudbury. 
Should you consider the following case worthy of insertion in 
your valuable periodical, it is at your service. I am aware that 
ca.ses are met with in practice where a small portion of omentum is 
obliged to be removed, and which I have done in castration; but 
in this instance the whole of that membrane, or as much of it, 1 
feel convinced, as could be drawn out, was taken away. 
A two-year colt, the property of Mr. Thomas Meekings, was 
attacked, on the 10th Sept. 1837, by a short-horned bull, that beat 
