[Book Reviews]

Abstract

THE continued existence of domestic medicine, whether the subjects of its application be human beings or domesticated animals, cannot well be doubted. We may, however, be permitted to doubt whether true economy lies in this direction. Nevertheless, as residents in the colonies, and even in many rural districts of our own country, are often far removed from the qualified veterinarian, and considerable time must necessarily elapse before his services when sought can be forthcoming, it is obviously advisable that whatever measures are taken by the stock-owner to ameliorate the sufferings of the animal during this interval of time should be rational, and follow lines similar to those which the professional man would adopt. Wrong methods of procedure would serve only to handicap and hamper his efforts. The book before us can be recommended to guide the horse-owner in such emergencies; though we note with pleasure that the reviser, on p. 553, points out that “the reader will always best consult his interest and pocket by at once consulting a qualified veterinarian.” Agreeing with this proposition, we cannot but consider superfluous the introduction of minute directions for the performance of such delicate and difficult operations as the extirpation of the eye-ball, the division of the plantar nerves (neurotomy) in some forms of foot-lameness, and section of contracted tendons (tenotomy). We can scarcely conceive an owner, however intelligent and courageous he may be, proceeding to cast, chloroform, and perform any of the above-mentioned operations.

Mayhew's Illustrated Horse Doctor.

Revised and Improved by James Irvine Lupton. (London: Griffith, Farran, and Co.)

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