TH3B A WHS IT BUD OT<D2B₀

There has been lately (1853), a considerable degree of bustle amongst the Shoeing-smiths, about the City
especially, in respect to the Twisted Shoe of my friend William Moorcroft, for reviving it again, which was a useful
shoe, in often preventing cutting as it is called, or interfering with the opposite leg, and Moorcroft in recommending it in
his little publication unfortunately attributed its effect in this respect to a wrong cause or source; viz., to its elevating the
inner quarter of the foot, and thus turned the fetlock a little outward, and by this arching outwards or deflection, evading
the stroke of the opposite leg; the idea was ingenious, but, from more recent discoveries We are led to believe this arching
of the fetlock had in reality little, or nothing to do with it; but that the real source of relief sprang from a Very different
cause, for experience has since taught us in innumerable instances, that if the foot be left with a degree of liberty, there is
no cutting takes place. We see, that in this shoe there are no nails at all in the inner quarter, consequently this quarter is
giving the foot the freedom of motion required to fulfil the above intention: any one reading the testimony of the firm, and
very ingenious Henry Hunt, M. P., annexed to our history of the Expansion Shoe, will there see ample proof of the truth of
this reasoning from his practice, and again in pi. vi, figs. 1 and 2 of the Unilateral Shoe there given, in which, I never
knew a horse to cut, I think I may say invariably.

Therefore to raise a shoe in this absurd manner (edgeways), and so destroy its wide and useful bearing-snrface on
the ground, is an offence to the common principles of shoeing, and perfectly unnecessary, if liberty be but given to the
operations of the hoof it is all that is necessary, a principle that -at this period my worthy friend Moorcroft, was not aware
of, or did not understand or consider.

ADDRESS TO THE PUBLIC.

These Testimonies are brought forward in order to convince the public of the
practicability and pre-eminent advantages of the new system of Expansion Shoeing.
One would suppose that so obvious an improvement in the shoeing of horses, would
have hardly needed any testimony in its support, being so very natural when shown
and explained; it has met however such unreasonable resistance from persons
interested in suppressing it, and others whose opposition is almost unaccountable,
that the Author has thought proper to adopt this course, in order to remove all doubt
from the minds of those who are looking on with unprejudiced eyes and wishing to
be satisfied of its value and utility.

There is one circumstance to be remarked in making these testimonies public,
that we are obliged to give them as we find them, with all the ideas their separate
writers entertained; some of which as they certainly militate against the author's
own reasonings, he does not consider himself at all answerable for, every individual
viewing the subject in a somewhat different light, of course is alone responsible
for his own peculiar views. The parties who supplied them are above all suspicion
of collusion, men of sense, education, and stability, that would not easily be deceived,
and whose suffrages could not be purchased.

The Inventor of the Shoe has no patent rights to serve in pressing it upon the
public, or hopes of obtaining any pecuniary benefit, the discovery has only been to
him from its commencement a source of heavy expence without profit, but this has
never been his object, and in refusing, contrary to the solicitations of his friends to
take out a patent, he was actuated solely by a wish that the public and the horses
should derive the fullest advantage from so important a discovery. But it has been

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the fate of almost every valuable improvement in the useful arts to be for some time
neglected, unheeded, and opposed, and the owners of horses have hitherto suffered them-
selves to be deterred by the opposition of their grooms, the ignorance of blacksmiths,
and the various difficulties with which the subject was at first encumbered, from
adopting a plan which is calculated to prolong the services of these useful and costly
animals to perhaps a double period, and with comfort to themselves. It has unfortu-
nately happened that many persons with full faith in the system, have made trials of the
shoe in its imperfect state, and meeting with difficulties have renounced the principle
altogether. A persuasion has also gone abroad that the Expansion Shoe is solely
intended to cure contraction and the evils of the common method, whereas it must
be obvious that were it generally adopted, these diseases would never exist, or in
other words be prevented, and the feet of the horses would be preserved in their
original state, which next to protection, should be the paramount consideration of a
shoe.* But these misapprehensions and the formidable difficulties which have hitherto
retarded the adoption of this valuable discovery, are now passing away together,
and it is confidently hoped that these testimonies, from men whose veracity and
experience no one can reasonably doubt, will have a considerable effect in facilitating
so desirable a result.

* In consequence, the New Shoe has been hitherto chiefly applied to the contracted feet of horses
which could no longer go in common shoes, under such circumstances it was unfair to condemn its want of
success in every instance, though it will be seen it has afforded opportunities of accomplishing many remark-
able cures, and has in a general way succeeded.

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TESTIMONIES, &c.

Pangbourn, December 25, 1819.
My Dear Friend,

I have very great pleasure in stating to you the result of my experience of your invaluable
Expansion Horse Shoes ; my little horse, which is but three years and a half old, has been
shod with them ever since I have had him, and before then he was unshod. His feet are in ex-
cellent condition, no signs of contraction evident; but on^-' the contrary they continue to expand
and grow with the other parts of his body. His style of trotting is remarked by all my neighbours
as being admirable, which I attribute entirely to the Expansion Shoes.

I shall at all times feel a pleasure in shewing his feet to any persons you may refer to me,
and you are at full liberty to make any use of this that can tend to the establishment of so desirable
a mode of shoeing.

I remain,
Very truly, your Friend,

W. H. BAZING.

(My worthy friend W. H. Bazing, continued to use this Horse for four or five years after this, always with expansion shoes,
except on one or two occasions where he could not get them. Afterwards having need of a stouter horse he sold him to a Gentleman
of his acquaintance, who shod him with common shoes and with one bad measure upon the back of another he did not survive it
more than about twelve months.�Editor.)

Extract of a Letter from John Hall, Esq.

Pinney House, Devonshire,
January 10,1820.
My dear Friend,

The horse I shod four years ago with the Jointed Shoe, has been continued in the same
method to the present day, and his foot presents a beautiful specimen of the intentions of nature
in the construction of the foot of that noble animal. He is in the possession of my friend Thomas
Heme, Esq. of Long Street House, Enfold, Wilts; to whom I parted with him, on account of the
superior goodness of his feet, and nrm method of treading on them. It is proper to remark that

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this horse had been shod upwards of eighteen months in the common way, and that contraction
had evidently begun. Since I have resided here I have invariably used, and with success, the
Jointed Shoe!�one instance is within the reach of your knowledge, my friend;�it is of a young
mare I purchased, that had never been shod, and which I broke in myself for my worthy friend
Joseph Wassell, No. 9, Pickett Street, Temple Bar, where she may be seen;�she has never been
shod in any other method than jointed shoes.

And believe me always, your sincere Friend,

JOHN HALL.

Bristol, December 26, 1819.
My Dear Sir,

Having made a trial of the Expansion Shoe, recommended in your Stereoplea, upon a
mare that became an early cripple, I shall have much pleasnre in communicating to you the Te-
sult of its operation, and I believe the best will be to inform you under what circumstances it was
applied. The animal was pretty well bred and shod the day on which she completed her fourth
year, with the first expansion shoes, and having been shod at the same forge, before the third
year of her being in use, she began to go near the ground and tender, so much so, that riding
her became unsafe. She was broke into harness, which rendered her rather more useful for a
short time, but she soon became lame, and was obliged to be turned out; and in her coming into
use again, her paces were crippling and bad. About this time I obtained from you some shoes
with the rivet head, and applied them�the effect was instantaneous; instead of walking in a gig
down many of our steep hills at the rate of two miles an hour, as she had been accustomed to do,
her pace was increased to the rate of five miles, and with the greatest safety, and there is great
reason to believe she will be a very useful animal for some years, in consequence of this great
discovery.

I am, dear Sir,

Your obliged Friend,

EDWARD SHEPPARD.

No. 19, Stmthiri's Lane,

November 18,1819.
To Mr. BRACY CLARK.

Dear Sir,

I have used your Joint Shoe upon the fore feet of my last two horses, and am certain

they have proved of the greatest service in preventing contraction.

You are at perfect liberty to make use of this communication in any way you

think proper.

I remain, Dear Sir,

Respectfully and truly yours,

JOSEPH TRAVERS.

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TO MR. CHARLES CLARK, VETERINARY SURGEON.

33, Montague Square.
Sir,

I AM sorry to have delayed answering your note, having been much engaged in my pro-
fessional occupations. I am happy, however, in the opportunity of bearing testimony to the ad-
vantages of the system of shoeing recommended by Mb. Beacy Clark. In examining the
merits of any new system, it is often right to advert to the character of the individual who re-
commends it, and it is highly satisfactory, in this instance, to know that Mr. Clark possesses deep
and most accurate knowledge of his art, both as to the anatomy and physiology of the horse,
(more especially as regards the foot of the animal, the anatomy of which he has most happily eluci-
dated) ; and also that he has an enlarged and cultivated mind, not liable to be swayed by preju-
dice, or to be blinded by theory. Although the evidence of an obscure individual can be of little
weight in a subject of such important and extensive application, yet it may be satisfactory to those
who are interested in the improved mode of shoeing, to know the extent of my experience in it.

I have at this moment a horse, which has been shod 7 years with the Expansion Shoe. I
was driven to its employment by necessity; I have continued it from the strong conviction of its
benefits. It is more than seven years ago that I purchased the horse to which I allude,�he was
then four years old, had done no work, and had a colt's foot, as round and in as fine order as ever
was seen. The work of the horse of a medical man in the country in good practice, is no trifle,
and this animal had his full share of it. The smith I employed was one of those native talents
whom we sometimes meet with�a good workman, who can apply a common shoe better than any
man I have ever met with. My horse had not been worked more than six months, before he be-
gan to stumble and blunder�went tender on his fore feet, and at last was very near falling with
me. I was convinced that the defect was not in the animal, but in the shoeing; and I consulted a
Veterinary Surgeon, a pupil of the Veterinary College, and of considerable practice in Bristol.
He assured me that the cause of the evil was corns; and he stated to me that corns were
produced by improper pressure, and contraction of the,foot. The treatment recommended was
singular. He said that the best plan was to expand the heel, by putting on a bar shoe, which,
by taking the bearing of the frog, would thus cause the frog to expand the heel of the foot. It
is difficult to imagine how the foot of a horse can, by any possibility, be made to expand by
nailing a ring of iron to it,�one would imagine that such treatment was the most certain possible
way to prevent such an effect, and that it was most calculated to keep the walls of the hoof in one
situation, without any possibility of their expansion,�yet the contrary is the idea which has ob-
tained among the veterinary surgeons of the present day, and they have founded their practice
upon it. Thus, Mr. Coleman's patent shoe is intended to take the pressure of the frog, and so
to expand the foot, the frog being supposed to act as a wedge. The foundation of bad practice is
defective physiology; and this idea of the use of the frog, has led to the worst results.

Although my horse was somewhat relieved, yet I was convinced, on reflection, that this
treatment was by no means calculated to effect a radical cure, or to obviate the recurrence of
similar evils. It was then that my attention was directed to the Expansion Shoe, recommended

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by Mr. Bracy Clark. The smith I employed was induced to take pains with it, and he made
a very tolerable set of shoes, and has continued to make them for me ever since, till the last
twelvemonths that I have been in London, or its neighbourhood. The advantages of this plan
have been the following:�1st. The preventing the evil of corns; 2dly, the horse, although he
has been worked night and day for seven years, has a foot as round as a colt, and as expansible
at the heel as if a shoe had never been worn ; 3dly, instead of being puffy and strained in the
joints, he is as clean in the legs as a two year old. There has been no inflammation of the feet,
the consequence of contraction, or of inflammation extending up the leg; but he is free from
all the evils consequent upon long shoeing in the common way. 4thly, he steps flat and full on
the ground, so that the sound of his foot is recognised by persons accustomed to him. 5thly, he
does not know how to stumble.

I will conclude with two observations, the result of pretty extensive experience. 1st,
That the frog of the horse is not destined to receive primary pressure, but only secondary
pressure. When the foot expands, the frog comes to the ground; but if it receives the first im-
pulse of the weight of the animal, inflammation and lameness is the consequence. 2dly, I believe
corns are constantly produced by pressure on the bars, and that is caused by the shoes not being
bevelled off at the heel, which they ought to be to the inside.

It is fair to add, that the mode in which my horse has been shod by your workmen at the
forge in Gray's-inn-lane, has been perfectly satisfactory; and excepting once, when the shoe
pressed on the bar of the foot, the horse has always gone with perfect ease and comfort.

I am, Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

J. C. COX, Surgeon, Montague Square.

Staines, 9th mo. 24th, 1827.
My esteemed Friend,

I fear that I have no sufficient apology to offer for my negligence in not sending some
testimonial of my approbation of the Expansion Shoe, but I sent a message some weeks ago
by our common friend Charles Trimmer, to say that I had been prevented from fulfilling the ex-
pectations that I gave thee, partly by numerous engagements, and partly by a dislike to enter into
any controversy ; and I feared that I should inevitably fall into the latter, through the warm in-
terest which the Lancet takes in your invention, if I sent any account, however small, to the
Editor of that very useful, though somewhat acrimonious work, of which I am a constant reader.

I certainly can have no objection to state that I have used the Expansion Shoes uninterruptedly
for more than eight years; that I am fully convinced of their utility; that they have been the means
of my continuing the use of two horses for several years, whose services would otherwise have been
lost; and that I am persuaded, if prejudices could be got rid of, it would be regarded as the
greatest improvement in shoeing the horse which has ever been proposed. But there are a few
difficulties to surmount before it can be properly appreciated, and as these unfortunately occur,
chiefly, on its first adoption, it demands a patient and unprejudiced mind to encounter them.

In the first place it requires considerable skill in the application of the shoe, to fix it firmly on
the foot, without nailing it too deeply. If the former is not done the wall or crust will be apt to

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split:�if the latter is done the horse will probably be lame from wound or improper pressure on
the sensible part of the foot. But a good smith soon acquires the art of doing it properly and
effectually, and I have now no more trouble than with common shoes. In the next place, if the
rivet or rivets in the front of the shoe are not well made, and of tough iron, they are liable to
break ; and the shoe becoming loose on one or both sides, may hurt the opposite leg before it is
discovered. But this never happens to my horses,* because the smith is aware of it, and takes care
to prevent it, which is easily done, and wants nothing but attention. Again, as the front of the
shoe, or tablet, is made of good steel, it wears so slowly that the shoes want to be removed, at
least once, before they are worn out; and, not attending to this, the foot is apt to grow too long in
front; and the sole sometimes becomes too thick, and occasions uneasiness to the horse, before it
is thought of. This, however, it is clear that a little care will prevent. How it happens, in this
enlightened age, that the advantages of the expansion shoe are not understood, or not profited by,
has often surprized me. When the structure of the horse's foot is considered,�that it is altogether
formed on a principle of elasticity ; and that a free play of the parts is essential to preserve it in
good health,�that the expanding property of the shoe allows of this play,�and that without this,
or some similar contrivance, the foot of a shod horse must be immoveably fixed, and all such play
prevented; it seems more befitting an age of ignorance than of knowledge to oppose the improve-
ment because it does not emanate from the college. I have no doubt at all of the eventual success
of the invention. If the English will not adopt it, foreigners will; and to them, and especially to
the Americans, we must look for the unfettered employment of the improvements of others, and a
large increase of inventions of their own;�the natural consequences of the emancipation of the
mind from the influence of power, and prejudice, and narrow and exclusive interests.

Wishing thee success in thy undertaking to the full extent of thy wishes, I am, with kind
regards to thy uncle Bracy Clark,

Thy sincere friend,

W. TOTHILL.

P.S. If this letter, or any part of it, will be of service in forwarding thy views, thou art at liberty
to make use of it; only don't draw me into contention, which I detest.

Pangbourne, May 26th, 1822.
My dear Fkiend,

I was in great hopes I should have had the pleasure of a letter from you when at
Birmingham, or on your return : but suppose that constant attention in promoting the advance-
ment of your invaluable system has prevented it. I should have written to you before now if I knew
you were at home, but as you said you intended going to France on your return from the country,
I was in doubt whether to write or not; but I have now something to communicate that I am
sure will give my friend great pleasure, and therefore must immediately set about it; it is this
following triumphant fact! A gentleman of the name of Jones, who travels for the house of
Francis and Child, of Ludgate Hill, was staying a few days at Pangbourne. His mare, natu-

* Nor (lid it ever to my knowledge with any horse whatever, the shoulder preventing it. Editor.

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rally a very good one, was very lame from " shoeing upon unnatural principles," and hearing that
my little horse was shod in a manner different from the common mode, he obtained an interview
with me through his lady, and upon my explaining to him the nature and elastic principle of the
hoof, by means of your beautiful model, he was so convinced of the truth of the doctrine, and the
advantages of the expansion shoes, that he was anxious to shoe his mare with them; fortunately
I had by me the pair of shoes made by you for Shackel's horse, which had not been put on as he
had bad corns, and I did not like to risk their credit with him; they exactly fitted the mare, and
were applied on Monday the 13th. The next afternoon he took her out in the chaise for the first
time, and on his return he came to our house a good deal alarmed, as he said the marc was so
lame he had the greatest difficulty in keeping her on her legs, and wished to have the shoes off;
but I dissuaded him, and assured him it was merely from the new situation the feet were in, and
that they would adapt themselves to the shoes; he requested me to take a ride with him the next
day, as he was going to Oxford on his journey,�to which I agreed. We set of about twelve from
here, dined at Wallingford, proceeded on to Oxford, baited, went on to Islip, where he did busi-
ness, then on to Bleckington, where he had business, and then to Woodstock, where we arrived
about ten at night, a distance of forty miles, and which the mare performed with apparent ease.
I drove her myself the whole way, and although so lame the day before, she hardly even limped
or tripped once. Mr. Jones, I need not add, was most agreeably surprized. Next morning I drove
to Oxford in less than fifty minutes, and returned by the Dart, Heading and Oxford coach, leaving
him to perform his journey in excellent spirits towards London. You may very well imagine I
was much delighted at witnessing the improvement in his mare, but that was much increased upon
receiving from him, yesterday the following note.

" Mr. W. H. Basing.

" London, May 28, 1822.
" Respected Sir,

" You will undoubtedly pardon my freedom in writing for your satisfaction, as well as my
own,�through taking your kind as well as friendly advice, which I shall ever feel in gratitude
particularly obliged for. The mare being shod by Mr. B. Clark's Expansion Shoe, improved
daily, and felt much less of the lameness, insomuch that I extended my journey further than I
intended, and was home in London on Sunday morning last; instead of that I did not anticipate
reaching town till Tuesday evening or Wednesday. When I left you at Oxford on Thursday last,
we plainly perceived the mare went much better the short time we were together; but that was
nothing to compare to what she perfonmed the latter part of the journey, the distance being very
far and the heat of weather all against her; but that seemed to make no sort of difference, as she
went as light in hand as ever I have known her to do. I am just now going into Kent and Sussex
with her, and have no doubt shall bring her home better than when I started, which result I will
avail myself the opportunity of letting you know when I return, which will be, if alVs well, in or
about a fortnight's time. Please to accept my sincere thanks of gratitude, which I shall ever
consider myself indebted to you for your polite attention towards me.

" I am, Sir, your's most respectfully,

" CALEB JONES."

Now this, my dear friend, is what I consider a triumph indeed; lameness almost immediately
relieved I! and an extended journey performed in less time by two or three days, than the original

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journey was set at! If this will not convince even prejudiced minds, nothing will. I have now to
request you to make two pair of shoes for a gentleman of the name of Dell, who lives at Reading,
and has got a well-bred mare. From my explanation he is anxious to have her shod with Ex-
pansion Shoes, and I think her a fit subject for them, as she is but six years old, and shews no
other symptom of pain from fetters, than going very much upon her toes. Please to send the
shoes directed to me at the Broad Face, Reading, as soon as you can. I very much wish to see
you. Can't you come for a day or two this summer; it will afford us both, I trust, much grati-
fication. I remain your sincere friend,

W. H. BAZING.
P. S.�Five inches is the size of the mare's foot.

Hertford, July 30th, 1824.
My dear Friend,

I am sorry that I have delayed so long writing to thee, on the subject of the jointed shoe,
but several circumstances have occurred to prevent my sooner addressing thee. As I have used
these shoes more than three years on one horse, thou wished me to give thee my opinion on this
subject. In consequence of my conversing sometimes about shoeing, I have had oppor-
tunities of seeing several kinds, all of which I have been informed will prevent contrac-
tion, but these are evidently illusive ideas, as the shoes are formed of a solid ring, which,
when fastened on a body capable of expanding and contracting must prevent its natural
action. It is my decided opinion that contraction from shoeing cannot take place
under the use of thy jointed shoe. My mare was five years old when I bought her, and of course
had been shod some time, and, judging from the shape of the hoofs, contraction had already begun,
�a pattern of the hoof was taken, and on comparing it with the hoof at the present time, no
further contraction has occurred. I have generally used thy shoes, but when I have used the
common kind, I find she does not step out so freely as when shod with the jointed. In the
country I find some difficulty in having them put on properly, and unless the owner of the horse is
present, a farrier will often use nails with too large a body, and thus endanger splitting the wall
or perhaps cut the sole and frog, or with the view of increasing the beauty of nature, rasp away
the external covering of the wall, which no doubt is as useful to the horse's foot as the cuticle is
to the cutis in the human subject. Thy shoes wear much longer than the common shoe, and I
particularly noticed how long the first pair lasted, which I think was three months, and then a
fresh piece of steel was added to the toe, and they were worn one month longer. My mare treads
remarkably even, which may in some measure account for the length of time.*

I am thy obliged friend,

RICHARD SHILLITOE.

* It has been this valuable property that has occasioned these shoes to be much abused. Editor.

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My dear Friend,

It is with pleasure that I bear testimony to the great advantages of the Expansion
Tablet Shoe, having used it for about two years, till I lost the horse by an accident from the
kick of another horse, and by which shoeing his feet and manner of going were improved in a
remarkable degree.

ABRAHAM LINGHAM.
Edmonton, June 18, 1823.

THE TESTIMONY OF WM. SMITH, ESQ. REGENT'S PARK.
Dear Sir,

I think it but justice to you to say, that my horse, a light cart horse, was dreadfully lame
from ring bones, so much so, that I was inclined to sell him for any thing he would fetch. Since
he has been shod with the Expansion Shoes, he has done his work remarkably well, without
once being lame since he had them, and is to me a very useful horse, and is well worth �40.
I have also shod a gig horse and a saddle horse with Expansion Shoes, with evident advantage
to their going.

I am, dear Sir, with great respect,

Your's most truly,

W. SMITH.

TO CHARLES CLARK, SIDMOUTH MEWS, GRAY'S-INN LANE.

Coggeshall, 12tk mo. 6th, 1827.
Dear Friend,

For the last three years we have shod twenty horses, used in all capacities, somewhat
upon the expansion system, so much and justly recommended by thy uncle Bracy Clark.
The shoe we use is but the common shoe in shape, nailed across the toe and on one side only,
which not only admits of the natural expansion of the foot, but costs no more than the common
shoe. By this system we have been enabled to use many horses, which by the usual mode
of shoeing, had become so contracted in the feet as to be useless on the road. In consequence of
our horses' feet doing so well under this system, many of our more enlightened neighbours have
been induced to adopt it, and also very much approve the system ; and at no distant period we
do expect this mode of shoeing upon the principle of expansion must and will supersede all others.
Any use thee or thy uncle may feel inclined to make of the above, will meet with my sanction.*

J. V. BRIGHTWEN.

* Having a professional call to Caggeshall on other business a few months ago, I visited this stable of horses, which are draft
horses chiefly, used for carrying out the beer, and the round and beautiful form of their feet, the soundness of the frogs,
not one being suffered ever to be cut, and their firm and wholesome appearance surpassed any thing I had ever before seen, and I be-
lieve may challenge the United Kingdom to show so uniformly at least, in all these respects, the like in a stable so numerous. Edit.

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MR. BLOXAM ON MR. BRACY CLARK'S PRINCIPLES OF VETERINARY

SHOEING.

To the Editor ofThe Lancet.
Sir,

From a fifteen years' intimate acquaintance with the doctrines and principles of Mr.
Bracy Clark, I feel perfectly justified in stating, that the views he has of the structure of the
horse's foot, and of shoes suited to that structure, are perfectly correct, true, and necessary; and
that time only, and more extended practice, (for reasoning there is none to oppose them,) are
wanting, to make these principles generally admitted by the world. As far as army or regimental
rules would permit, I have constantly adhered to this gentleman's directions in my practice, and
can proudly say, in support of them, that in no regiment were the horses' feet in better condition
than in the 1st Life Guards.

In order to prevent, in some degree, the mischievous consequences which inevitably result
from the use of the common prison shoe, I have for many years caused the young horses under my
care to be shod with small tips only, until four years old.

The Expansion Shoe, being a discovery of more recent date, is not yet introduced into the

British Army; so that I can only bear this general testimony to the truth of those principles,

which make such a mode of defence imperative to the perfect well-being of that beautiful and

elastic organ, the horse's foot.

Your obedient Servant,

SAMUEL BLOXAM,

Thirty years Vet. Surgeon, 1st Life Guards.

TO BRACY CLARK, 7, TAUNTON PLACE, REGENT'S PARK.

Berkhainpstead,\st mo. 8th, 1824.
I suppose my friend Bracy Clark will be almost ready to think I have been unmindful
of his kindness respecting my horse, but I can assure him that is not the case; I was desirous of
ascertaining fully the utility of the expansion shoe, before I said much about it, and I think I may
now state that with respect to my horse I have effectually proved their value, for before I used
them I had almost made up my mind to destroy the horse, not liking to part with him, as being a
valuable old servant, for I knew that if he was not fit for my service, which is a comparatively
easy place for a horse, he would not be very suitable for any other; in this state I applied to thee
as a last resource, and I am glad to find it has succeeded beyond my expectation; he now sets his
feet firmly on the ground, and since the first day that he had the expansion shoe put on, I do not
recollect that he has gone lame, but has continued to improve in going, and appears to go in
every respect more pleasantly to himself and much more so to the driver. I have attended particu-
larly to thy instructions respecting his hoofs, and have not had them pared since, and I doubt not
they are much better for it.

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I did not like to trouble thee with the shoe that broke, as my blacksmith's son (who is an in-
genious young man) seemed to wish to repair it, and thought he could do it very well. I suffered
him to undertake it, and I find he has done it very well; he has also made one on the expansion
principle, which likewise answers the purpose very well, and he seems desirous of giving satis-
faction therein.

I had intended to have been in town before this time, but my engagements have prevented
me; when I come I intend giving thee a call, in the mean time, I remain

Thy sincere friend,

THOMAS SQUIRE.

Two years after I received the following note from the same gentleman :

Berkhampstead, 8th mo. 16th, 1826.
Thomas Squire will be obliged by his friend Bracy Clark furnishing him with two
pair of shoes like the one sent, as he finds no other shoe will prevent his horse remaining lame.

36, Stamford St. Blackfriars, December 31, 1827.
Dear Sir,

I feel happy in bearing testimony to the very great advantage of your expansion shoe,
over that of the common one, which has been proved in the following instance. My thorough-
bred horse, Napoleon, became very much contracted in the feet, in consequence of having been
kept shod for two years and a half, (mostly in the stable) without being used, during the time that
I was confined in Ilchester gaol; at this time he was rising six years old, and having done but
very little work, in all other respects he was quite in his prime. Finding that from the numbness
of his feet he became unsafe to ride, and unpleasant to drive, in consequence of very severe cutting,
I was induced to send him always to the veterinary college to have him shod, still he got worse
and worse, his fetlock joints became much enlarged and callous, from the constant battering of his
feet against his legs, and in spite of the wadded boots which he constantly wore, he seldom
returned from his work without his legs being in a gore of blood, and at length, by the speedy
cut, he became so lame, as to be totally unfit for use; being a favorite, I sent him repeatedly to
the veterinary college, where he remained for a month or six weeks at a time, without obtaining
the desired relief, and Mr. Sewell recommended me to dispose of him as useless. Accident threw me
in your way, and you recommended the expansion shoe, which was immediately tried with success;
before he had worn the first set of shoes half out, he was so much relieved as entirely to get rid of
the cutting. He has been now shod with your expansion shoe twelve months, during which time
he has been in constant work in my vans over the stones in London, has never cut since, and is
now as sound and with as good feet as he had when he was three years old, and instead of being
totally useless, he is now, (solely owing to your shoeing) the most useful and valuable horse I have.

I am, dear Sir, yours very sincerely,

HENRY HUNT.

P. S. When I related this case to Mr. Sewell, he admitted that the expansion shoe was the
perfection of shoeing, if it could be made to keep on as well as the common shoe. In this you have

( 15 )

now completely succeeded : since you have shod my horse I find the shoes remain on firm till they
are worn out, although my horse goes over the stones of London, with a heavy load, four days in
a week on a average, from twenty to thirty miles a day. The shoes he has on now, have been in
wear upwards of five weeks.

To Mr. C. Clark, Sidmouth Mews, Gray's-inn-lane.

Besides the miserable consequences of the common shoe upon the foot, pointed
out in my works, I am satisfied also that a very large share of the untowardness
and vicious dispositions in horses, may be attributed to the miserable pains and con-
dition of their feet, and what can be more natural than that continual suffering should
produce such effects. The following extract of a letter not intended by the writer
for publication, will confirm and illustrate this fact; it was written from Pangbourne,
Sep. 6, 1821.

" When I last had the pleasure of your company, I mentioned to you that I was obliged
to put a pair of fetters (that is common shoes) on my horse, from being out of the expansion shoes,
and the following is the result of four or five days' wear, after which I went to London: great
sluggishness and disinclination to travel, which was noticed both by my uncle and myself; and
if forced by the whip to mend his pace, I observed the scapulae to rise alternately above the
withers, as if he intended to shift the weight of his body from his feet to-his shoulder, but the
mended pace almost immediately degenerated into a shuffling trot; he also went very much off
his appetite, almost refusing both hay and corn; but which returned, without any administration
of medicine, upon replacing the expansion shoes; whether the latter circumstance arose from
pain in his feet, I am not able to determine, but my uncle witnessed it with myself.* Mrs. B. and
my uncle present their best respects, and very sincerely, I remain

Your friend,

W. H. BAZING.

Sir,

Having a Gig-Horse much given to tripping, I was lately induced to make a trial of your
Expansion Shoes, and I beg now (as an act of common justice) to offer my testimony of their
superiority over those in common use. Though an aged horse, (and therefore not the best qualified
to do justice to the invention,) he can now trot down hill with considerable ease and safety,�
whereas before the above trial, it was scarcely prudent to trust him beyond a walk down even the
smallest declivity. On level ground too he goes with much more freedom; and, what I think of
some importance, his feet, after a moderate journey, are now cool and comfortable, instead of being
hot and inflamed, as they used to be, under similar circumstances.

You are welcome to make what use you please of this communication from,

Sir, &c. &c.

H. J. HILL, Great Portland Street.

* My own mare I sold to a gentleman in 1820, in common shoes; she so tripped and tumbled with him, that he sent her back to
me as too dangerous to ride. I had her shoes taken off, and Expansion Shoes put on; her manner of going was so improved, that it
became delightful to ride her, and from a fretful, sour, unpleasant disposition, she became gay and cheerful. Editok. ,

( 16 )

Several of these cases, if they had been taken to our present Veterinary College,
would have been pronounced foundered, though only with simple contraction in a
distressing degree, and then the abominable operation of nerving would have next been
proposed for them, of which we shall have to give some day a more extended account.
�It would not have been difficult to have produced more than double the number of
these testimonies, if such proof was deemed necessary, but we believe they would
rather encumber and tire, than assist in proving the utility of this discovery. If these
proofs will not be received, neither will thousands ;�thus we abstain, for the present
at least, from further addition in this respect.

In order to bring these shoes, upon the new principle, within a moderate expence, (without
which one could hardly hope for their being generally adopted,) a more than usual share of pains,
labor, and expence, was used in finding out the readiest way of forming them from the bar iron, and
of which process we propose to give an insulated account in the following subjoined essay, reserv-
ing nothing,�so that to the practical mechanic, who does not care much about elements or prin-
ciples, this part of our essay will have the greatest interest,�and by which this desirable object
has been so far obtained that many smiths could make them in a very little more time than m
making the common circle shoe. Notwithstanding this however, I propose to conclude this
account with observations on making them with the new nealedcast iron. At first we are aware
a decided prejudice will obtain against this proposition, as was for some time our own feeling; but
every well arranged experiment has served more and more to convince us of its practicability, and
we entertain no doubt now on the subject.�(For I have understood he lost his patent rights through
the interference of some Birmingham people.)�This new metal, or singular preparation of iron, I have
been induced from justice to its patentee, the late Samuel Lucas, of Brampton, near Leeds, (who,il
he was not the inventor, was probably the first who really understood its value sufficiently to induce
him to take out a patent for it,) to call it the Brampton metal, to avoid circumlocution. It appears
that this extraordinary product of cast iron, of which we shall give a more circumstantial account,
is formed by exposing the metal to a high temperature, for a very long time, sometimes weeks,
the air being cautiously excluded,�by which it is ridded of a numerous host of casual matters,
with which it is combined;�as the phosphurets, sulphurets, anisilex, and other admixtures; and
is thereby brought into a very malleable and flexile state for things requiring simple wear; and,
contrary to our belief, we have used it with general satisfaction, often finding that the shoes
wear to the very last degree of thinness, without breaking, and which metal will ultimately
bring them within the price of the common shoe; be this as it may, a paltry consideration in the
price, for truly paltry it will be, will not, one should imagine, be a momentary consideration with
a magnanimous nation, where so noble an object is at stake.

Any communication tending to confirm and encourage this new shoeing, or orders for shoes from persons
desirous to take advantage of the present improved state of the art, may be addresssd (post free) to my nephew,
Charles Clark, Sidmouth-mews, Gray's-inn-lane, nearly opposite Cubitt's extensive building premises, where
they will be duly attended to. Edit.





	*p fu 3&*

	TESTIMONIES

	COMMUNICATED

	BY VARIOUS PERSONS IN FAVOR OF THE EXPANSION SHOE.

	LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE EDITOR, BY C.RICHARDS, 100, ST. MARTIN'S LANE, CHARING CROSS, AND SOLD BY T. & G. UNDERWOOD, FLEET STREET. 1828. {Entered at Stationers' Hall.']



	( 4 ) the fate of almost every valuable improvement in the useful arts to be for some time neglected, unheeded, and opposed, and the owners of horses have hitherto suffered them- selves to be deterred by the opposition of their grooms, the ignorance of blacksmiths, and the various difficulties with which the subject was at first encumbered, from adopting a plan which is calculated to prolong the services of these useful and costly animals to perhaps a double period, and with comfort to themselves. It has unfortu- nately happened that many persons with full faith in the system, have made trials of the shoe in its imperfect state, and meeting with difficulties have renounced the principle altogether. A persuasion has also gone abroad that the Expansion Shoe is solely intended to cure contraction and the evils of the common method, whereas it must be obvious that were it generally adopted, these diseases would never exist, or in other words be prevented, and the feet of the horses would be preserved in their original state, which next to protection, should be the paramount consideration of a shoe.* But these misapprehensions and the formidable difficulties which have hitherto retarded the adoption of this valuable discovery, are now passing away together, and it is confidently hoped that these testimonies, from men whose veracity and experience no one can reasonably doubt, will have a considerable effect in facilitating so desirable a result.

	* In consequence, the New Shoe has been hitherto chiefly applied to the contracted feet of horses which could no longer go in common shoes, under such circumstances it was unfair to condemn its want of success in every instance, though it will be seen it has afforded opportunities of accomplishing many remark- able cures, and has in a general way succeeded.



	( 12 )

	My dear Friend, It is with pleasure that I bear testimony to the great advantages of the Expansion Tablet Shoe, having used it for about two years, till I lost the horse by an accident from the kick of another horse, and by which shoeing his feet and manner of going were improved in a remarkable degree. ABRAHAM LINGHAM. Edmonton, June 18, 1823.

	THE TESTIMONY OF WM. SMITH, ESQ. REGENT'S PARK. Dear Sir, I think it but justice to you to say, that my horse, a light cart horse, was dreadfully lame from ring bones, so much so, that I was inclined to sell him for any thing he would fetch. Since he has been shod with the Expansion Shoes, he has done his work remarkably well, without once being lame since he had them, and is to me a very useful horse, and is well worth �40. I have also shod a gig horse and a saddle horse with Expansion Shoes, with evident advantage to their going. I am, dear Sir, with great respect, Your's most truly, W. SMITH.

	TO CHARLES CLARK, SIDMOUTH MEWS, GRAY'S-INN LANE. Coggeshall, 12tk mo. 6th, 1827. Dear Friend, For the last three years we have shod twenty horses, used in all capacities, somewhat upon the expansion system, so much and justly recommended by thy uncle Bracy Clark. The shoe we use is but the common shoe in shape, nailed across the toe and on one side only, which not only admits of the natural expansion of the foot, but costs no more than the common shoe. By this system we have been enabled to use many horses, which by the usual mode of shoeing, had become so contracted in the feet as to be useless on the road. In consequence of our horses' feet doing so well under this system, many of our more enlightened neighbours have been induced to adopt it, and also very much approve the system ; and at no distant period we do expect this mode of shoeing upon the principle of expansion must and will supersede all others. Any use thee or thy uncle may feel inclined to make of the above, will meet with my sanction.* J. V. BRIGHTWEN.

	* Having a professional call to Caggeshall on other business a few months ago, I visited this stable of horses, which are draft horses chiefly, used for carrying out the beer, and the round and beautiful form of their feet, the soundness of the frogs, not one being suffered ever to be cut, and their firm and wholesome appearance surpassed any thing I had ever before seen, and I be- lieve may challenge the United Kingdom to show so uniformly at least, in all these respects, the like in a stable so numerous. Edit.



	( 13 )

	MR. BLOXAM ON MR. BRACY CLARK'S PRINCIPLES OF VETERINARY SHOEING.

	To the Editor ofThe Lancet. Sir, From a fifteen years' intimate acquaintance with the doctrines and principles of Mr. Bracy Clark, I feel perfectly justified in stating, that the views he has of the structure of the horse's foot, and of shoes suited to that structure, are perfectly correct, true, and necessary; and that time only, and more extended practice, (for reasoning there is none to oppose them,) are wanting, to make these principles generally admitted by the world. As far as army or regimental rules would permit, I have constantly adhered to this gentleman's directions in my practice, and can proudly say, in support of them, that in no regiment were the horses' feet in better condition than in the 1st Life Guards. In order to prevent, in some degree, the mischievous consequences which inevitably result from the use of the common prison shoe, I have for many years caused the young horses under my care to be shod with small tips only, until four years old. The Expansion Shoe, being a discovery of more recent date, is not yet introduced into the British Army; so that I can only bear this general testimony to the truth of those principles, which make such a mode of defence imperative to the perfect well-being of that beautiful and elastic organ, the horse's foot. Your obedient Servant, SAMUEL BLOXAM, Thirty years Vet. Surgeon, 1st Life Guards.

	TO BRACY CLARK, 7, TAUNTON PLACE, REGENT'S PARK. Berkhainpstead,\st mo. 8th, 1824. I suppose my friend Bracy Clark will be almost ready to think I have been unmindful of his kindness respecting my horse, but I can assure him that is not the case; I was desirous of ascertaining fully the utility of the expansion shoe, before I said much about it, and I think I may now state that with respect to my horse I have effectually proved their value, for before I used them I had almost made up my mind to destroy the horse, not liking to part with him, as being a valuable old servant, for I knew that if he was not fit for my service, which is a comparatively easy place for a horse, he would not be very suitable for any other; in this state I applied to thee as a last resource, and I am glad to find it has succeeded beyond my expectation; he now sets his feet firmly on the ground, and since the first day that he had the expansion shoe put on, I do not recollect that he has gone lame, but has continued to improve in going, and appears to go in every respect more pleasantly to himself and much more so to the driver. I have attended particu- larly to thy instructions respecting his hoofs, and have not had them pared since, and I doubt not they are much better for it.