REVIEW. 
573 
REVIEW, 
DISEASES AND INJURIES OF THE HORSE. 
By F. O. Kirby. 
Veterinary literature lias received another contribution from 
a non-professional source. Undoubtedly it is the privilege of any 
one to write a book on the subject of veterinary medicine and 
surgery if he so chooses to do, but whether or not these produc¬ 
tions by the laity, relating to a science abounding in such intri¬ 
cate and important questions as underlie the practice of medicine, 
do more good than harm is a matter for thoughtful consideration. 
Intelligent compilations are often works of great value, but 
when a compilation is made by one unacquainted with the subject 
on which he writes, evidently the product must be of question¬ 
able merit. The author of the book in review disclaims any in¬ 
tention, in his preface, of presenting anything original, and seeks 
to justify his appearance in the domain of veterinary literature 
on the ground that he has incorporated in his compilation “ many 
practical ideas, the result of sixteen years’ experience in the 
ownership and consequent care of horses.” 
To praise the book is not possible; to severely criticise it may 
be done by quoting from its pages. 
On page 60 laryngitis and pharyngitis are treated of as one 
disease under the head of sore throat. When speaking of the 
symptoms it is said : “ There is generally a discharge from the 
nose, even in the earliest stages while on page 63, under “ Signs 
of Recovery ” the statement is made that, “ the first sign of recov¬ 
ery is a slight mucous discharge from the nostrils.” 
On page 58 the definition of pneumonia is “ inflammation of 
all the substance of the lungs.” On page 69 the statement, “ oc¬ 
casionally the animal dies (from congestion of the lungs) about the 
fourth or fifth day,” is made regarding the course of pneumonia. 
Rage 71 it is said that, “ six to ten drops of the tincture of aco¬ 
nite may be added to a teacupful of water, and a teaspoonful 
given every fifteen minutes until perspiration occurs.” 
On page 84 indigestion, gastric impaction and grain founder 
are considered as one disease. 
