MEMOIRS OF A VETERINARY SURGEON. 
197 
must also be combined with that which had been gathered 
from other sources, until the truth we seek is found to be 
based upon certain fixed laws, or otherwise supported by 
such a mass of uncontrovertable evidence, that it becomes 
accepted by every eminent and really practical man, to be 
used as a standard or principle of action. It is scarcely 
necessary to add, that it is this way that each fact gradually 
permeates society and propagates its power for a greater or a 
lesser period of time. 
In my former papers I have endeavoured to show, and I 
am desirous to convey my idea correctly, that the power with 
which nature has been endowed by the Creator, is able to 
restore healthy action, whenever any of her organs are 
disordered, provided that every antagonistic force be at once 
removed, and every circumstance necessary to her well-being 
and the carrying on of her proper functions be duly 
attended to : in which case her cure will not only be more 
speedy but also more effectual and complete ; whereas the 
usual method of treatment, if the above conditions are not com¬ 
plied with , frequently leaves, after apparent recovery, the 
affected organ or organs of the patient more or less perma¬ 
nently debilitated. In those papers I have likewise laid con¬ 
siderable stress upon the great assistance w T e render to nature 
in her restorative efforts, by the free supply of fresh cold 
air, by keeping the ears and feet of our patients w ? arm, and 
a systematic attention to their diet, and the plentiful use 
of cold water. In all incipient cases of fever, I am thoroughly 
convinced that these are all-important points, and being based 
upon correct principles and observations, are confidently 
offered for the guidance of the veterinary surgeon. 
In all large and well-conducted establishments, the horse- 
keeper is a man generally selected as one of some observation, 
who, as by instinct, sees w r hether his charge is all right or 
not. As he glances his eye along the long range of horses both 
night and morning, his quick observant eye detects the 
ailing horse, hanging back in his stall, drooping his head, by 
his dull and unhealthy look, and other symptoms that are diffi¬ 
cult to be described. On going up to him he finds him breath¬ 
ing rather quicker than usual, his mouth hot, and his food 
uneaten in his manger; yet this horsekeeper of I860 does 
not leave him wholly unattended to, w hilst he sends for the 
veterinary surgeon, whereby some valuable time is very fre¬ 
quently lost, before any remedial means are had recourse to, 
for he has this ailing horse removed at once , from the heated 
stable, into a cool, loose box; ties his head to the open door; 
sees that his ears and feet are warm ; gives him some cold 
