CAUSE OF GLANDERS 
137 
Some portion of the venom passes on, and is carried into the 
circulation, and mixes with the blood, and vitiates the blood. 
The experiment by Professor Coleman, of the transfusion of a 
portion of the blood of a glandered horse into a healthy ass, and 
the transfusion of the disease with it, was satisfactory on this point. 
Therr comes the constitutional affection. The membranes in 
the neighbourhood, and those most susceptible of irritation, first 
yield. Chancres proceed down the pharynx and the larynx, and 
gradually the ulcers spread over the frame. The acrimonious 
fluid, mingling with the blood everywhere, begins everywhere to 
attack that tissue which is most susceptible of its influence, 
namely, the lining membrane of the absorbents; and by degrees 
and in the most distant parts of the frame (the hinder extremities 
are a favourite situation) the absorbents become corded, and tu¬ 
mours appear in the situation of the valves, and ulcerations ensue. 
First, the superficial lymphatics are affected ; then the deeper- 
seated become involved : the whole frame is empoisoned ; farcy 
is established in its most horrible form, and death speedily closes 
the scene. 
CAUSE OF GLANDERS. 
What is the cause of this dreadful malady? Although it may 
by-and-by prove that we are powerless as to the removal of the 
disease, yet if we can trace its cause and its manner of action, 
we may do something in the way of prevention at least. We 
have been able to accomplish much in this way. Glanders does 
not commit one-tenth part of the ravages it did thirty or forty 
years ago; and it is now only found, as a frequent and prevalent 
disease, where neglect and filth and want of ventilation exist. 
The Character and Office of the Schneiderian Membrane .— 
Its seat is the Schneiderian membrane; a highly vascular one— 
a tissue of’ bloodvessels—a membrane possessed of exquisite 
sensibility, specific and common, and these mingling together for 
the perfection of each. Thus vascular and sensitive, it is placed 
as a guard to the lungs ; covering within and without those con¬ 
voluted bodies which in a manner fill the whole of the nasal 
cavity, and it every where exposes its mucous surface ; intercepting 
every deleterious substance, and even gas. Comparatively few 
particles penetrate to the pharynx, or if they do, the sentinel has 
given warning, and other air-passages take up the action. The 
rimae glottidis refuse to admit, or the muscles of respiration unite 
to expel, the intruder. Little beside pure atmospheric air is 
destined to reach the lungs ; or if the animal is destroyed by some 
deleterious gas, he dies more from the want of that oxygen which 
is necessary to the continuance of respiration, than from the 
actual stimulant or depressive effect of the inspired air. 
VOL. V. U 
