548 
TORSION. 
and from off the tablet of the memory must be wiped many fond 
records, by time and observation copied thereon, ere the new be¬ 
comes the generally adopted plan. All this is hard to be effected ; 
for we cannot change our habits so easily as we can our garments; 
and the mind once directed into any channel, never leaves it but 
with reluctance. The hand, too, by experience acquires a certain 
tact; and hence it is that many, without any anatomical know¬ 
ledge, become expert operators in certain branches of chirurgery. 
But although a surgical operation may be looked upon as a 
mechanical act, it is science that should guide the hand, or the 
operator becomes a mere pretender. What wonder, then, that 
but few will leave the good old way to try the new ? 
I have anxiously, but with disappointment, w'aited to see if any 
of your contributors had adopted the plan of castrating by torsion, 
as advocated by Mr. Molyneux in your April number. To him, 
in common with yourself, I beg to offer my thanks for having 
made known the manner in which it should be performed, as 
well as the success which attended the act; and I would that all 
who have the opportunity would give it a fair trial. I am ready 
to confess that I was amongst the number of those who entertained 
doubts respecting the efficacy of torsion in the horse ; but now I 
do not hesitate to express my firm conviction that this will be 
the only method, in after-days, resorted to by veterinarians for 
the removal of the testes of domesticated animals. 
Proceeding cautiously, I first essayed on an ass; and the re¬ 
sults exceeding my most sanguine expectations, I, with boldness, 
proceeded to castrate three colts : nor had I any reason to repent 
of my temerity; for I may say, I never saw colts do so well as 
they did afterwards. 
This was in the month of June; and, being at grass, they 
were in the morning taken into the crevvyard and kept without 
food till the afternoon;when, in the presence of several friends, 
the testicles were taken away, the bleeding vessels stopped by tor¬ 
sion, and the animals immediately allowed to go at large again 
in the fields. I, of course, carefully watched them; but not the 
least unfavourable symptom presented itself: and so confident am 
I respecting this method of performing the operation, that it is my 
full determination hereafter to adopt it. As it regards the manner 
of operating, I have nothing to add to what Mr. Molyneux has 
so clearly laid down, for I carefully followed his directions. 
Now, as facts have not been inaptly compared to the stones of 
the Temple of Science, and theory the cement by which they are 
joined together, I have been induced to'send you this case, 
hoping that I shall stimulate others to follow my example, so 
that together we may perfect the fair edifice. 
