American Veterinary Review, 
OCTOBER, 1884. 
ORIGINAL ARTICLES. 
REPORT ON THE RECENT CATTLE DISEASE IN KANSAS. 
By Prof. James Law, of Cornell University. 
('Continued from page 258.) 
ERGOT AND ERGOTISM. 
In view of the importance of this question, it seems desirable 
to append a general statement on the subject of ergot and allied 
fungi, and their known effects on the animal system. 
Ancient synonyms .—Ignis Sacer; Ignis Sancti Antonii; Ignis 
Sancti Martialis; Ignis Invisibilis sen Infernalis, Beatse Virginis. 
Modern synonyms .—Morbus Cerealis; Mutterkorn brand ; 
Kriebelkrankheit. 
Definition .—These names are given to an affection, or rather 
several affections, caused by the consumption of cereal grains 
affected with ergot (sclerotium or spawn of Clavicepspurpurea). 
The morbid phenomena produced in those that eat this product 
are of several different types, according to the conditions in which 
the ergot has been grown and the conditions of life of the animals 
fed. The most prominent forms may be thus stated; 
1st. The nervous form, resulting in convulsion, paralysis, or 
lethargy. 
2d. The gangrenous form, resulting in the dry gangrene of the 
extremities. 
