NORTHERN EMPIRICISM. 
530 
the strongylus species, as they were generally about two 
inches in length and smaller at one end than the other. They 
were still alive and moving, and when I cut away a portion 
of the tissue containing them, they manifested a considerable 
aptitude for escaping from their singular imprisonment. 
I need not remark that the extraordinary nature of the 
case surprised and interested me. With a view, therefore, to 
its preservation, I removed a considerable portion of one of 
the walls of the abdomen, and put it aside. I regret to add 
that it was afterwards carried away by a favourite greyhound, 
and that I thus lost the “ ocular proof” which I could other¬ 
wise have afforded in verification of what may seem to some 
an improbable case. It was seen, however, by many persons 
of undoubted veracity, and amongst others, I may mention, 
by my friend Mr. Henry Brooke, a surgeon in extensive 
practice at Bishop’s Castle, who will very likely remember 
the circumstance, and can therefore testify to the correctness 
of this account, should anybody interested continue sceptical 
on the subject. 
This case of worms imbedded in the cellular tissue is, in 
my own practice, I confess, an unique instance of the kind. 
Probably its publication may bring to light some others; 
but under any circumstances, it cannot fail to possess a high 
degree of interest to the scientific student. It proves to us, 
at least, that the intestinal tube is not the only situation in 
which worms may be developed and even nurtured. The 
immense irritation which they produced, and the fatal result, 
I think, however, go far to prove that this was not their 
natural nidus. Whether or not it sheds any light on the 
disputed theories of the generation of such parasites, I leave 
to more philosophic minds to determine. Somehow or other, 
this paper has already lengthened considerably on my hands, 
and, therefore, I shall not trouble the readers of “ The 
Veterinarian” with any further observations on the subject. 
NORTHERN EMPIRICISM. 
Dalkeith; Aug. 13 th, 1852. 
To the Editor of “ The Veterinarian .” 
Sir, —Most unfortunate are the veterinary surgeons in 
this quarter of Her Majesty’s dominions; and fortunately 
for others it is that your journal is published, so that it 
may afford information which may prevent others in 
