CHRONIC DISEASE OF THE STOMACH AND INTESTINES. 155 
mities as compared with the anterior half; but I, nevertheless, 
observed two or three places in which the integrity of the 
mucous membrane was partially destroyed, and there were 
patches of a dark leaden hue, accompanied with some thick¬ 
ening. The mucous membrane of the pylorus, and its exten¬ 
sion through that portion of the duodenum which was left on 
the stomach, was also evidently thickened. 
The part of the rectum before alluded towas next examined. 
This presented a highly diseased condition. The mucous 
membrane was almost black, from its vessels being engorged 
with stagnant blood. It was also much thickened from 
interstitial infiltration into the submucous areolar tissue. 
^ I observed two large and several small tumours to exist, 
which, on a section being made through them, proved to be 
abscesses. The smaller ones contained a sero-purulent fluid, 
and from the character of the interior of the large ones, I 
have no doubt but their contents were of the same nature. 
Such is the character of the morbid parts under considera¬ 
tion, and judging from the description I have given of them, 
it will be admitted that the disease must have been of long 
standing, but how long I think it would be difficult to say. 
With reference to the which gave rise to this disease, 
whatever opinion may be advanced, it must,'in the absence 
of direct evidence, be considered hypothetical. A few years 
ago a case came under my notice in which the lining mem¬ 
brane of the oesophagus and cardiac portion of the stomach 
was affected in a similar way. In this instance I was told 
that mineral acids had been given to the animal as a tonic— 
perhaps imprudently. 
A cause of this kind was suggested by one of the members 
of the Veterinary Medical Association in the case under con¬ 
sideration, as he had known it to be the practice with dealers 
to give such agents to horses, with a view of improving their 
condition. 
