CORRESPONDENCE. 
179 
Before he could have obtained the diploma of this school, it would 
have been necessary for him to attend two more full courses. At Tor¬ 
onto, we are told, “two courses, at least,” are necessary to obtain the 
diploma. If Mr. S. had not taken a course of lectures anywhere else, 
how comes it that one course suffices for him at Toronto? Is there a 
royal road to graduation there in which either brains or money can 
pass ? Can my friend gain admission to the profession at Toronto, be¬ 
cause he has more ability than I, in less than the prescribed time ? Are 
the “ two courses, at least,” intended only for us poor mortals who have 
less brains than Friend S. ? Something is wrong somewhere ? Where 
is it ? Will Dr. Smith tell us ? 
L. L. 
PURPURA H^EMORRAGICA, NECESSITATING TRACHEOTOMY ON 
THE FIFTH DAY.—TREATED BY STRYCHNIA.—RECOVERY. 
On the evening of April 21st, 1877, I was called to see a black 
gelding, about 15f hands and mouthed 8 years, of a nervo-lymphatic 
temperament, who had refused feeding that evening, and developed a 
slight swelling on the inside of right thigh, and supposed to be a strain. 
Inspection by candle-light revealed an abrupt termination superiorly of 
the swelling, but no tenderness of the lymphatics higher up the leg. 
Examination of the visible mucous membranes revealed ecchymosis, but 
to a very slight extent, in fact only the size of pinheads, and very few 
puuctas ; sufficient however to indicate purpura hsemorragica. Pulsa¬ 
tion, 60; respiration, 20 per minute; temperature, per ano, 105 degrees. 
History prior to the present attack, some three weeks animal had suffered 
from influenza, and was depleted, ad libitum , during a period of two 
weeks by a daily administration of four ounces of sulphate sodae. This 
method of treatment seemed in their estimation a pa?iacea for all the 
ails horseflesh is subject to. 
Having a desire to try the action of strychnia, it having been advo¬ 
cated by a brother member of the profession some two years ago, I 
placed the patient under half grain doses of strychnia every two hours 
during the night, and requested the leg fomented as often as possible. 
On the morning of 22d, animal quiet, both hind legs swollen from 
the hocks up; respiration and pulsation the same as previous day; tem¬ 
perature, lOTf degrees. Eats a little. Prescribed f grain every three 
hours during day and night; swellings to be fomented frequently, and 
