24 
EXTRACTS FROM FOREIGN JOURNALS. 
“It should, however, be mentioned that the powerful intes¬ 
tinal movements which eseria calls forth are not always of them¬ 
selves sufficient to break down and remove the hard impacted 
masses which are often present. In such cases, especially in 
those accompanied by obstinate constipation, we cannot afford to 
dispense with other laxative agents, such as aloes extract, Glau¬ 
ber’s salts, etc.” 
It is be hoped that other practitioners who have used, or may 
in future use, physostigminum will follow Mr. Nettleton’s exam¬ 
ple, and furnish us with the results. Might I suggest its use in 
some of the obstinate cases of constipation and impaction of the 
stomach in ruminants. It might also prove beneficial in timpa- 
nites in these animals; anyhow, it is worthy of a trial.— Veteri- 
nar \/ Journal. 
RUPTURE OF THE RECTUM. • 
By A. Spkeull, F.R.C.Y.S., Dundee. 
The subject of this rather unusual lesion was an eight-year-old 
chestnut-colored, heavy lorry horse, the property of a firm of 
contractors here. 
Up to the morning of the 26th of January he had been in 
perfect health, so far as could be seen, and even on that day he 
did his work as usual. He also ate all his food during the day, 
though he took rather longer to consume his allowance, and 
with the exception of his supper, which was not quite eaten out, 
he may be said to have taken his food as usual. It was re¬ 
marked by his driver during the day that he made- frequent 
attempts to micturate, and on this account he complained at 
night that he thought “ all was not so right as it ought to be 
with him.” No particular notice was taken of this statement, 
as he seemed to be all right again, and had begun to eat as 
usual after the day’s work was over. 
About midnight, however, the night watchman observed that 
lie was breathing too rapidly, trying to pass urine again, being 
rather uneasy, bnt not much pained; after watching him for 
some time he considered it necessary to call the horse-keeper, 
