4o 4 
PHILLIP HESELTINE. 
societies will prove to them both interesting and profitable 
institutions. 
I have endeavored in this paper to draw your attention to- 
some matters which I trust will be deemed worthy of earnest: 
consideration, and in concluding I desire to express the hope 
that the importance of veterinarians cultivating improved 
methods of professional practice will be speedily realized. 
THE PRINCIPLES OF ANTISEPSIS IN THE TREATMENT 
OF ECZEMA. 
By Phillip Heseltine, V.D., V.S., Rochester, N. Y. 
While it is true that the antiseptic system has won general 
recognition, and has become an integral part of the practice of 
the majority of veterinarians all over the world, it seems to me 
that the time has not yet arrived for its advocates to feel that 
their work is done. There still exists a tendency, partly due to 
the scepticism expressed by a few leading specialists, in both 
professions, who regard it has a cumbersome method of attaining 
mere cleanliness, which alone is declared to be the conditions on 
which the best results can be secured. And by many surgeons 
and veterinarians the whole thing is looked upon as a fashion, to 
which they conform in a perfunctory manner,without any profound 
conviction of its value. Others, again, believe in the principle, 
but think the methods are in transition state, and that much is 
yet to be done before they can be fully accepted. I regret to 
say that I know some veterinarians who still practice surgery 
without any antiseptic precautions whatever. Where the only 
claim of the antiseptic system is that it insured or hastened the 
healing of wounds, or that it rendered operative interference 
safer, or that it prevented suffering on the part of the patient; on 
any one of these grounds it would deserve the favorable con¬ 
sideration of all veterinarians, and its acceptance would be an 
imperative duty. But it appears to me that it does more than all 
this, for I know of many cases in which it is the direct means of 
