Public-domain ebook
The Dog
Language: en1,854 downloads on Project Gutenberg
Subjects
In: History - Other·Science - Biology·Nature/Gardening/Animals
Public-domain ebook sourced from Project Gutenberg #9478.
About this book
The work is a nineteenth‑century reference on the canine, presented as an expanded edition of a previously published treatise by William Youatt. The editor explains that his additions, about sixty pages marked in brackets, are intended to tailor the volume to the needs of an American readership, and then launches into a systematic survey of dogs, ranging from their early history and classification through exhaustive anatomical descriptions and a catalogue of diseases. The opening pages outline a detailed table of contents that promises chapters on the various breeds, the animal’s moral qualities, and a medical section that treats ailments from rabies to rheumatism, even offering a list of remedies. The introductory remarks also stress the dog’s unique loyalty, its utility in work and sport, and its role as a subject of scientific curiosity.
Written in the formal, didactic prose of the mid‑1800s, the text combines natural‑history observation with moral reflection, typical of Victorian scientific literature. Its tone is earnest and occasionally sentimental, especially when recounting anecdotes of canine devotion. Readers who enjoy thorough historical overviews, detailed veterinary information, or the period’s blend of moralizing and empirical study will find it rewarding, while those seeking a narrative story or modern medical guidance may prefer a different approach.
Who appears in The Dog
- Mr. YouattMiddle‑aged Victorian gentleman, dark hair, trimmed beard, spectacles, frock coat, waistcoat, pocket watch
The opening · free to read
His design, however, being in a great measure superseded by the enlarged and valuable treatise of Mr. Youatt, whose name is a full guarantee as to the value of whatever he may give to the world, he found that not much remained to be added. Such points, however, as he thought might be improved, and such matter as appeared necessary to adapt the volume more especially to the wants of this country, he has introduced in the course of its pages. These additions, amounting to about sixty pages, will be found between brackets, with the initial of the Editor appended. He trusts they will not detract from the interest of the volume, while he hopes that its usefulness may be thereby somewhat increased.
With this explanation of his connexion with the work, he leaves it in the hope that it may prove of value to the sportsman from its immediate relation to his stirring pursuits; to the general reader, from the large amount of curious information collected in its pages, which is almost inaccessible in any other form; and to the medical student, from the light it sheds on the pathology and diseases of the dog, by which he will be surprised to learn how many ills that animal shares in common with the human race.
The editor will be satisfied with his agency in the publication of this volume, if it should be productive of a more extended love for this brave, devoted, and sagacious animal, and be the means of improving his lot of faithful servitude. It is with these views that the editor has occasionally turned from more immediate engagements to investigate his character, and seek the means of ameliorating his condition.
PHILADELPHIA, October, 1846.
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