136 LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 
tergo is removed, and thus produces congestion, oedema, anaemia, 
and death. I cannot see how the theory can be seriously enter¬ 
tained, for it is devoid of physiological or pathological facts by 
which to maintain it. 
Professor Williams well and tersely remarks of the anatomical 
theory that “ it is upset by the fact that the disease is inseparable 
from domestication and stimulating food peculiar to deep milkers, 
and scarcely ever succeeding difficult parturition, which most 
assuredly would be the case if shortness of neck, excessive natural 
vascularity of the brain and its membranes, were predisposing 
causes. 
I shall now direct your attention to the ganglionic theory of 
the disease, a theory which Mr. Fleming says is “ the most far¬ 
fetched of any,” and in proof of his statement says that the nerve 
of the intestines is a vessel nerve, and if it were to be paralysed 
the vessels of the intestines would be paralysed also, which would 
clearly appear on dissection.” But, indeed, this is just what 
occurs, although not to the extent as to be seen on every case of 
dissection, but in a similar proportion to the other parts 
paralysed. And not only are the vessels affected in their smaller 
branches, but the intestinal muscles also, which are principally 
under the control of the system. If they are not so, why this 
distressing tympanitis and antiperistalsis of the oesophagus, which 
often converts a hopeful case into a fatal one. te None of the 
symptoms of this disease,” he says, “ favour the belief that the 
sympathetic system is affected. I most thoroughly favour the 
belief that the sympathetic system is affected.” I most tho¬ 
roughly believe that all the symptoms of this affection point most 
conclusively to the primary disturbance occurring in this system 
of nerves. Not only does the system preside over and control 
the vascular supply of the intestines, but it is the vessel nerve of 
the whole body. It governs all those motions which are purely 
involuntary, and its centres are believed to be the seats of those 
faculties we call emotional and instinctive, from it the heart 
receives its motor impulses, the vagus being a moderating nerve 
of that organ. 
Branches of nerves from the ganglionic centres accompany 
every artery throughout the body to its termination and without 
the direction of the will regulate the contractions and dilatations 
of the blood-vessels to their most refined distribution. If this 
supply be cut off by divisions or impairment of functions of 
the ganglionic nerve of a part, the vessels become paralysed, 
and become dilated with the flowing blood. 
When certain physical impressions are made upon the organic 
nerves, the disturbance of their supply is indicated by distant 
phenomena ; the blush which mantles, and the pallor which over- 
