336 
M. L. TRASBOT. 
tant modifications,” says M. Zundol, ** no doubt produce a change 
in the proportions of the constituent elements of the liquids of 
the body, and in the nutritive functions, a change which is mani¬ 
fested by the critical manifestations of gourme.” On what does 
this theory rest ? On absolutely nothing. Is it not simpler and 
more in accordance with observation to look at the mo\ ings to 
which the animals are subjected as repeated exposures to the 
contagion ? 
To present this question, is sufficient to have it admitted by 
all unprejudiced minds. 
It has been said that animals prepared for sale by fattening, 
were oftener and more seriously affected than others. 
That they are sicker, it is true; heat in warm stables, lack of 
resisting power to external influences, render them undoubtedly 
more impressionable and give to all affections in them a more 
severe character, but that is all. 
But that this produces gourme is doubtful, and has not 
been establisned by fact. 
Lastly, another influence, the sudden cooling of the skin, has 
been considered as one of the causes of the disease. It is unnec¬ 
essary to refute such an opinion. Arrest of perspiration by rains, 
drafts, &c., may prevent the natural development of gourme, 
interfere with or possibly prevent entirely its eruption on the 
surface of the body, and by this fact produce all the common 
variations that the disease may assume, from the simple angina 
to the lobular pneumonia; but it yet remains to be proved that 
they have the power to produce the disease. 
To recapitulate, what remains of the etiology of gourme, as 
found in veterinary works? Nothing which resists the slight¬ 
est criticism. Must we conclude from this that it can not lise 
positively in the organism of horses ? No ; such a conclusion to¬ 
day might be hazardous, and perhaps later on looked at as erro¬ 
neous. The question must yet remain open, as we do not as yet 
possess any elements for its solution. Such is the ti uth. 
(Tq he continued ..) 
