142 
A. LARGE. 
Mr. Allman states that a high temperature is always an indication 
foi the use of aconite, and that it is of service in all inflammations and 
acute specific diseases ; governing the amount of exudation and reduc¬ 
ing the animal temperature. Now, we very much doubt, whether even 
Mr. A. would use aconite in a case of coup de soldi, where the tempera¬ 
ture was at 108° F., and the pulse so weak and rapid as hardly to be 
felt or counted ; yet it is a case where the thermometer registers a high 
temperature at the very inception of the injury. We might, with the 
same propriety, recommend kali nitras as a remedy in every inflamma¬ 
tion, because it is efficient in the treatment of laminitis; or opium, be¬ 
cause of its indispensable value in peritonitis, as to claim an indication 
for aconite in every disease where there is an elevation of temperature. 
Had the author of the article in the Journal copied more fully from 
Ringer s Handbook of Therapeutics,” his production would have con¬ 
tained fewer errors than it does, and would be of more value to the 
profession for which he wrote than it is. On page 396, Ringer says: 
“ Sometimes, even a small quantity of the medicine (aconite) excites 
irregular heart action. Whether increased or lessened in frequency, the 
pulse always loses strength, showing retardation of the circulation;” 
while Mr. A. quotes Dr. Fothergill as saying : “ Aconite paralyzes the 
heart of frogs, arresting the contractions in the diastole.” 
Who, then, would administer aconite in that stage of pneumonia 
where the heart’s action is already very weak, and there is imminent 
danger of the formation of the fatal heart-clot ? Or, who would give it 
m typhoid influenza, where there is a temperature of 107° F., pulse 
beating at 80 or 90, and so weak as hardly to be felt, while prostration 
is so great that the patient can scarcely stand ? The fact of the matter 
is, and it should be patent to every one, that in administering aconite, 
like all other remedies, it needs diluting with common sense ; and I 
think our unknown friend will find a much safer guide for the use of 
sedatives, in the pulse than he will in the thermometer. 
A NEW USE FOR THE NEEDLE OF A HYPODERMIC SYRINGE. 
By A. Large, M. D., M. R. C. V. S. L. 
A week ago, I was called at night to a case of constipation and 
flatulent colic, produced by cut hay and corn meal. The animal was 
enormously distended, respiration labored, and every symptom of ap¬ 
proaching death by apnea, unless speedily relieved. I have not the fear 
