14 
A. ROUX. 
some observers. In vitular fever there is always an extraordinary 
repletion of the venous system, which is gorged with dark blood, 
which is especially abundant in the portal system. The causes of 
this condition are still unknown. The spleen is enlarged; the 
cavities of the heart empty. Besides the local lesions of the 
genital organs, evidence of paralysis of the viscera are always 
found. The third stomach is filled with dry packed food, pro¬ 
ducing constipation. The bladder is always distended, but flabby 
•and empty. 
Many have considered the disease as inflammatory in its nature, 
but it is more than probable that there is a peculiar condition of 
the sympathetic system, extending to the spinal cord. Still, the 
symptoms and manifestations are so varied that the most vigilant 
mind has the most difficulty in finding a true explanation of the na¬ 
ture of the disorder. 
In human medicine it has been admitted that the morbific 
element, which enters the economy, or the toxic principle which 
alters the blood and produces puerperal fever, either originates 
in the economy or is introduced from without. It has also been 
observed that this disease may assume an epidemic character. 
Such is not the case in animals, and though epizootic abortion 
may have been accompanied by septicemic manifestations, these 
might be otherwise explained: for example, by the manipulation 
of the accoucheurs, carrying the morbid infesta from one patient 
to another. 
A plethoric state, high feeding, and peculiar hygienic condi¬ 
tions have also been referred to among the causes of the various 
and numerous manifestations of this affection. 
Treatment .—Almost all kinds of treatment have been tried 
and found unsuccessful. Antiphlogistics, and among them bleed- 
iug, were recommended, thus depressing a patient already in want 
of vital forces. Mucilagenous drinks and salines have also been 
tried, without good results. 
The Germans advise the use of croton oil; the French prefer 
aloes, in thirty or forty gramm doses, with emollient injections. 
Nux vomica, with tartar emetic, as well as calomel, have been 
advantageously employed by many in stimulating the vermicular 
