SO-CALLED SPINAL MENINGITIS. 
13 
this is one of the multitudinous forms of so-called influenza? 
Now a word as to treatment. Without attempting to 
make a differential diagnosis, we followed the plan advocated 
by our homeopathic friends of treating symptoms as they 
develop, without caring what name the disease producing 
them has. I desire to particularlv call your attention to the 
use of bromide of soda in these cases. It has been my 
fortune to treat several cases.of this kind, and I have found 
that in those in which 1 used the bromide of soda, I had no 
trouble in controlling those extremely nervous conditions 
which seem peculiar to this disease. In no other cases have 
I seen such hemorrhage from the bladder as in the case under 
consideration, and the action of ergot in controlling this was 
satisfactory, since its beneficial results were seen after the 
first dose. 
Its action, however, seemed to be fully as much that of a 
general tonic as any othen In all those cases I have seen, 
I have noticed that there is great difficulty in securing con¬ 
trol of the posterior extremities. For some weeks, and often 
months, the animal will drag his toes and seem to be unable 
to control his movements. Nerve tonics like strychnia 
and arsenic seem to have but little effect, even if their 
administration is long continued. In three cases that came 
under my observation, it was nearly a year before complete 
recovery took place. In such cases there is almost sure to be 
an atrophy of the muscles in the region of the flank, which is 
often lasting. 
It has been my desire to bring this subject before the 
Society in such a way that we may discuss it with profit to 
all. A comparison of observations is the best possible means 
of acquiring knowledge. Theory and practice should always 
go hand-in-hand, but theories should always be based upon 
practical observations. Theoretically, we should begin treat¬ 
ment by removing the cause of the diseased conditions; 
practically, we are more often compelled to treat the varying 
symptoms as they develop with less regard to causation than 
we like perhaps to acknowledge. The case under considera¬ 
tion illlusirates this point. 
