138 
HYDROTHORAX, THE RESULT OF PLEURISY. 
pose of overcoming a partial obstruction in any portion of 
the blood’s course, would be as likely to produce excessive 
development as in the muscle of a limb, or any other part of 
the frame, from its becoming much used ; and, therefore, 
this view of its origin is perfectly feasible. 
HYDROTHORAX, THE RESULT OF PLEURISY, 
TREATED SUCCESSFULLY. 
By the Same. 
On the 28th of September, I860, I was requested by 
Major Read, of Newbiggin Hall, to see a bay hunter, which 
I was informed had been ill for two days. On my arrival 
I found he was suffering from 'pleurisy . 
The usual symptoms of this disease continued with but 
little variation for six days, when I found that effusion had 
taken place into the right pleural sac, and, as is usual with 
such results, the acute symptoms partially subsided. Feeling 
confident of the presence of fluid in the chest, I performed 
the operation of paracentesis , and was enabled thereby to 
draw off as much as eight quarts of semi-opaque serum, 
which considerably relieved the animal’s breathing. 
I always consider it advisable in such cases to draw off as 
much of the effused fluid as I can, and, while doing so, I 
endeavour as much as possible to prevent the ingress of air. 
These two points I think important in the performance of 
this operation. 
My treatment consisted in keeping the horse under the 
influence of mercury, guarding its action by opium. I also 
subsequently gave tonic agents. 
The recovery was most satisfactory, for in about a month 
the major sold the horse, and in a short time afterwards he 
was hunted, when, with the exception of his being a slight 
whistler, he did his work well. 
I consider mercury to be a very valuable agent in inflam¬ 
mation of the respiratory organs. Of course there are cases 
in which its use is contra-indicated, and its influence always 
requires to be guarded by other agents. I use it often, and 
have observed very great benefit to result from its adminis¬ 
tration. 
