Pleurodynia is a term applied to rheumatism of the intercostal muscles, the apparent symptoms being very similar to those of pleurisy. The animal is stiff, is not inclined to turn around, and the ribs are kept in a fixed state as much as possible. Pleurodynia may be distinguished from pleurisy by the coexistence of rheumatism in other parts and by the comparative absence of fever, cough, the friction sound, and the effusion into the chest. The treatment for this affection is the same as that for rheumatism affecting other parts. DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. By W. H. HARBAUGH, V. S. [Revised by John E. Mohler, V. M. D.] THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. The nervous system is the distinguishing feature of animal life. Without it there can be no intelligence, no instinct, no sensibility, no perception; in fact, existence would be nothing more than vegetable life. The senses--touch, taste, sight, hearing, smell--all depend on the nervous system. Motion depends on it. A muscle can not contract without receiving the stimulus from the nervous system. For example, if a nerve passing from a nerve center to a muscle is severed, the particular muscle that is supplied by the cut nerve is paralyzed. The nervous system is often studied in two divisions--the cerebrospinal division and the sympathetic division. The cerebrospinal division consists of the brain and spinal cord, nerves, and ganglia. The nerves of this division convey the impulses of motion and sensation and supply all parts which are under the control of the will. For example, the voluntary muscular tissue includes all the muscles which act as the will directs. Another example: If anything comes in contact with any part of the skin, the impression is immediately perceived. All the special senses belong to this division. The sympathetic division consists of nerves and ganglia. The muscular tissue, which acts independently of the will--as, for example, the stomach, intestines, womb, blood vessels, ducts, etc.--is called involuntary muscular tissue, and receives nervous stimulus from the sympathetic division.