230 ' ON THE COMMUNICATION OF RABIES. 
whom the case is known, will probably favour me with the par¬ 
ticulars. 
Then it appears that herbivorous or graminivorous animals are 
capable of propagating the disease ; and I do not hesitate to ex¬ 
press my conviction, that every animal capable of being affected 
by the disease can propagate it. On a subject, however, so im¬ 
portant, and opposing, as I do, the generally received opinion of 
medical men, and the expressed opinion of some of deservedly 
high reputation in my own profession, I would earnestly solicit 
the communication of the experience of my brethren ; and I would 
endeavour to engage them in a course of experiments, so far as 
they can conveniently and safely pursue them, that all doubt 
may be removed on this very interesting point. I do not scruple 
to confess, that I have no doubt at all about the matter; but I 
would have my limited experience confirmed by that of others. 
In the mean time we are not justified in exposing ourselves, 
and least of all our assistants or menials, to danger. Simple 
and common medicine should be given in no case : it is playing 
with the disease, and playing with our own safety and that of 
others. A dose of physic, or a little nitre, will be powerless in 
such a disease, and will not add to our reputation. Some new 
medicine must be exhibited, or that w hich in other cases has pro¬ 
mised to produce effect, and that, if there be the slightest ex¬ 
citation about the horse, must be given in his water, which 
he will seldom refuse, and of the altered taste of which he 
seems not to be conscious. The head or arm, unless defended 
by a thick and long glove, may be scratched in balling the horse 
that seems not to be disposed to do mischief; while it should never 
be forgotten, that there is in rabies a degree of treachery, a deeply 
laid plan to lull suspicion, and assuredly to accomplish mischief, 
of which they only who have w atched the progress of the disease 
can form an adequate conception. 
I would once more, and earnestly, request a communication of 
the experience of veterinary practitioners, for or against the pro¬ 
pagation of rabies by graminivorous animals, cr by all who are 
susceptible of the disease. 
