PURULENT DISCHARGE FROM THE NOSTRILS. 405 
tern; for as no action in the whole animal economy can take 
place but under the influence of nervous direction, what is likely 
to ensue but derangement in these functions, when the main¬ 
springs, the directors themselves, are diseased ? And if we were 
oftener to look at that as the cause, which we are too apt to con¬ 
sider as the effect, I believe that we should be oftener correct 
than we are. 
With regard to bleeding, I am regulated entirely by the amount 
of inflammatory action which may exist in connexion with it; 
but as to the disease itself, unconnected with this accidental 
inflammation, I consider that venesection is highly injurious. 
This view of the case wdll reconcile much of the contradiction 
with reference to bleeding which took place at the debate on the 
subject. 
PURULENT DISCHARGE FROM THE NOSTRILS OF 
A MARE. 
Communicated by Mr. James Horsburgh, Dalkeith^ N.D, 
About two years ago I was sent for to examine a two-year 
old filly, the property of Mr. Blakie, a farmer, at Murrall, 
near Stow (about twenty miles from this place). 
1 found her with a discharge from the right nostril, to such 
an extent as almost to threaten suffocation. Her respiration 
could be heard at a considerable distance. The place where she 
stood was literally smeared with matter of the colour and consis¬ 
tence of thick cream. The discharge had continued for rather 
more than a year, and had commenced shortly after she had 
strangles. The os unguis, malar, and superior maxillary bones 
were considerably enlarged, giving to the eye a sunken appear¬ 
ance. The submaxillary gland was also a little enlarged, but 
quite detached from the bone. There was no appearance of 
ulceration on the septum, and the filly in other respects appeared 
perfectly healthy. 1 need not say that glanders were suspected ; 
but on examination I did not think that formidable disease had 
as yet taken place. Percussion gave indication of matter in the 
frontal sinus, and by the appearance of the maxillary and other 
bones, it was evident that disease was going on in their cavities 
to a considerable extent. Not having a trephine at hand, I gave 
her a dose of physic, directing her, at the same time, to be kept 
by herself (as a safe precaution) and tried inoculation with the 
matter on several places of her own neck. 
VOL. XI. 3 H 
