On the transmission of diseases between man and the lower animals / by W. Lauder Lindsay.

  • Lindsay, W. Lauder (William Lauder), 1829-1880.
Date:
1858
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the transmission of diseases between man and the lower animals / by W. Lauder Lindsay. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    production aiid presence, or by the evolution of another principle or product. 4, Whether climate, season, or other external influences, modify the course of epidemics, by producing modification of the epidemic poisons, or modifications in the system of persons exposed to the poisons.^ Every one versant either with human or veterinaiy medicine is fully aware of the importance of experimentation on the lower ani- mals in questions of physiology or toxicology; but it has not been resorted to, to the extent that is desirable, in questions of compara- tive pathology, or of epidemiology. Prop. ] 2 is only consonant with our knowledge of the variations in structure and habits of the lower animals, and of the phenomena of disease as modified by such variations. Dr Richardson remarks, the pig is specially suitable in experiments on small-pox, scarlatina, and typhus, inasmuch as it appears to be more susceptible of the in- fluence of these diseases than any other of the lower animals. Again, I selected the dog and cat in my experiments, as having a structure and habits closely resembling those of man; while other experimen- talists have chosen the rabbit, mice, fowls, &c. In conclusion, I would earnestly call upon veterinary practitioners throughout Scotland to investigate, so far as lies in their power, some of the propositions given above, or any of the collateral subjects or points which they may suggest; and further, to avail themselves of the opportunity which the Edinburgh Veterinary Review affords of recording their observations, however isolated and apparently in- significant. I think I can venture to assure the reader of the favour- able reception of all reliable observations in comparative pathology by the editor of this journal, whose efforts to place veterinary science more on a par with human medicme deserve to be crowned with success. The reader will find a vast field of inquiry embraced in the propositions I have laid down, and in my various papers on compara- tive pathology: he may select for himself a path of research suitable to his tastes or opportunities. Due advantage has certainly not, I think, been taken of that section of the Sanitary Revieiu which is devoted to a record of epizootics and their relation to epidemics. But let us hope for better things now, when both the medical and veterinary professions have journals opening their pages for the re- ception of this species of information, and inviting, nay urging, con- tributors to avail themselves thereof! 1 Medical TvmM, Mar. 20, 1858. P. 306. 01 ci4. PRIKTED BY ANDKKW JACK, CLYDE STREET, EDINBURGH.