The Firing of Man and Animals

The origin of firing as a veterinary and medical treatment dates back to ancient times. By the twentieth century firing was restricted to the veterinary treatment of lower limb injuries in horses and to a much lesser extent, racing greyhounds. Despite some sophistication of technique, firing retains the air of mystery so essential to primitive treatments. The two techniques of line and pin firing are described. Some internal problems, such as pneumonia, were treated by firing. There have been attempts to explain the apparent success of firing, including by William Youatt, surgeon to Queen Victoria. A ten-year project carried out by Bristol University failed to show anything other than deleterious effects of firing.

I A Silver

Farriers and other Veterinary Workers in the London Trades Directories, Group II.1800-1811

A list of all the farriers and other veterinary workers collected from the Trade Directories for London from 1802-1811. There are 32 veterinary surgeons listed, including the first woman, Mary Beard, in 1802.

David Wright