280 TRANSLATIONS FROM CONTINENTAL JOURNALS. 
on some disturbance in the cutaneous perspiration. The skin, 
it is well known, exhales carbonic acid gas and nitrogen in 
various proportions. These gases, as well as oxygen, enter 
into the composition of the blood. Might it not happen that, 
under the influence of some perspiratory derangement, the 
cellular tissue should exert some eliminating power as a sub¬ 
stitute to that of the skin, and by that means pour into its 
cells a gas identical with that which the skin was to have dis¬ 
charged? This opinion has not only for support the analogy 
between the gases contained in the blood and the cellular 
tissue, but is also based on the general law, sympathetic and 
functional, existing between the organs of secretion, in virtue 
of which they assist each other whenever the performance of 
the function of one of them happens to be interfered with. 
We are strongly inclined to believe that this will be found a 
correct opinion. 
Spontaneous emphysema in cattle has some analogy with 
certain varieties of i{ charbon” in the same species of animals. 
In fact, there are cases of this dangerous malady which declares 
itself by a subcutaneous emphysema. It is therefore not im¬ 
possible to confound the two affections with one another at 
the time of their invasion; and it therefore becomes neces¬ 
sary to point out their differences. Ordinarily, charbon is pre¬ 
ceded or accompanied by febrile symptoms. This is not the 
case in emphysema. In the latter, the skin also preserves its 
suppleness. In charbon it is dry and hard, and resounds 
like old leather. The gas in emphysema is inodorous ; in 
charbon it has a fetid smell. Finally, the tumours in charbon, 
accompanied by emphysema, are variable in their seats, while 
the gas reaches to the most elevated parts of the body, and 
are also advanced towards the heart; while in spontaneous 
emphysema, up to the present time at least, almost exclu¬ 
sively, they begin at the lumbar region, from which they 
spread in all directions. 
After the debut, the symptoms are of the most serious 
nature in charbon. This is not the case in emphysema. 
When they remain constant, and are not in the least serious, 
there is no reason to doubt the true nature of the disease. 
Treatment .—As the gas is not taken up by the absorbents, 
the indication seems to be the opening of a direct issue. To 
effect this object, scarifications are to be made, and even in¬ 
cisions, in the skin, on the most elevated parts of the tumours; 
compression is then to be made towards the openings, which 
will facilitate the liberation of the gas. To prevent the 
closing of these openings divers means have to be employed, 
such as reopening at different times, and even cauterizing the 
lips by the hot iron. Friction, with liniment of ammonia, 
