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Practical Quantum
Computing for
Developers
Programming Quantum Rigs in the
Cloud using Python, Quantum Assembly
Language and IBM QExperience
—
Vladimir Silva
Practical Quantum
Computing for Developers
Programming Quantum Rigs in the
Cloud using Python, Quantum
Assembly Language and IBM
QExperience
Vladimir Silva
Practical Quantum Computing for Developers: Programming Quantum Rigs in the
Cloud using Python, Quantum Assembly Language and IBM QExperience
Vladimir Silva
CARY, NC, USA
iii
Table of Contents
iv
Table of Contents
v
Table of Contents
vii
Table of Contents
Index��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 339
viii
About the Author
Vladimir Silva holds a Master’s degree in Computer science from Middle TN State
University. He worked for 5 years for IBM as a Research Engineer where he acquired
extensive experience in distributed and Grid computing.
He holds numerous IT certifications, including OCP, MCSD, and MCP, and has
written many technical articles for IBM developerWorks. His previous books include Grid
Computing for Developers (Charles River Media), Practical Eclipse Rich Client Platform
(Apress), Pro Android Games (Apress), and Advanced Android 4 Games (Apress).
An avid marathon runner, with over 16 races completed all over the state of NC
(by the time of this writing), when not coding, writing or running he enjoys playing his
classic guitar and pondering about awesome things like Quantum Mechanics.
ix
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About the Technical Reviewer
Jason Whitehorn is an experienced entrepreneur and
software developer and has helped many oil and gas
companies automate and enhance their oilfield solutions
through field data capture, SCADA, and machine learning.
Jason obtained his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
from Arkansas State University, but he traces his passion
for development back many years before then, having first
taught himself to program BASIC on his family’s computer
while still in middle school.
When he’s not mentoring and helping his team at work,
writing, or pursuing one of his many side projects, Jason enjoys spending time with his
wife and four children and living in the Tulsa, Oklahoma region. More information about
Jason can be found on his website: https://jason.whitehorn.us
xi
Introduction
I wrote this book to be the ultimate guide for programming a quantum computer in the
cloud. Thanks to the good folks at IBM Research, this is now possible. IBM has made
their prototype quantum rig (known as the IBM Q Experience) available not only for
research but for individuals in general interested in this field of computing.
Quantum computing is gaining traction, and now is the time to learn to program
these machines. In years to come, the first commercial quantum computers should be
available, and they promise significant computational speedups compared to classical
computers. Consider the following graph showing the time complexities for two large
integer factorization algorithms: the best classical algorithm, the Number Field Sieve, vs.
the quantum factorization algorithm developed by Peter Shor.
xiii
Introduction
Shor’s algorithm provides a significant speedup over the Number Field Sieve for a
problem, that is, the foundation of current cryptography. A practical implementation of
this algorithm will render current asymmetric encryption useless!
All in all, this book is a journey of understanding. If you find the concepts explained
throughout the chapters difficult to grasp, then you are not alone. The great physicist
Richard Feynman once said: If somebody tells you he understands quantum mechanics, it
means he doesn’t understand quantum mechanics. Even the titans of this bizarre theory
have struggled to understand what it all means.
I have tried to explore quantum computation to the best of my abilities by using real-
world algorithms, circuits, code, and graphical results. Some of the algorithms included
in this manuscript defy logic and seem more voodoo magic than a computational
description of a physical system. This is the main reason I decided to tackle this subject.
Even though I find it hard to understand the mind-bending principles of quantum
mechanics, I’ve always been fascinated by this awesome theory. Thus when IBM came
up with its one-of-a-kind quantum computing platform for the cloud, and opened it up
for the rest of us, I jumped to the opportunity to learn and create this manuscript.
Ultimately, this is my take on quantum computing in the cloud, and I hope you find
as much enjoyment reading it as I got writing it. My humble advice: Learn to program
quantum computers; soon they will be ever present in the data center, doing everything
from search and simulations to medicine and artificial intelligence. You name it. In
general terms, the manuscript is divided into the following chapters:
C
hapter 1: The Bizarre and Awesome World
of Quantum Mechanics
It all began in the 1930s with Max Planck, the reluctant genius. He came up with a
new interpretation for the energy distribution of the light spectrum. He started it all by
unwillingly postulating that the energy of the photon was not described by a continuous
function, as believed by classical physicists, but by tiny chucks he called quanta. He was
about to start the greatest revolution in science in this century: quantum mechanics. This
chapter is an appetizer to the main course and explores the clash of two titans of physics:
Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr. Quantum mechanics was a revolutionary theory in the
1930s, and most of the scientific establishment was reluctant to accept it, including the
colossus of the century: Albert Einstein. Fresh from winning the Nobel Prize, Einstein
never accepted the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics. This caused a rift with
xiv
Introduction
its biggest champion: Niels Bohr. The two greats debated it out for decades and never
resolved their differences. Ultimately, quantum mechanics has withstood 70 years
of theoretical and experimental challenges, to emerge always triumphant. Read this
chapter and explore the theory, experiments, and results, all under the cover of the
incredible story of these two extraordinary individuals.
C
hapter 2: Quantum Computing: Bending the Fabric
of Reality Itself
In the 1980s, another great physicist – Richard Feynman – proposes a quantum
computer, that is, a computer that can take advantage of the principles of quantum
mechanics to solve problems faster. The race is on to construct such a machine. This
chapter explores, in general terms, the basic architecture of a quantum computer:
qubits, the basic blocks of quantum computation. They may not seem like much, but
they have almost magical properties: superposition; believe it or not, a qubit can be
in two states at the same time: 0 and 1. This concept is hard to grasp at the macroscale
where we live. Nevertheless, at the atomic scale, all bets are off. This fact has been proven
experimentally for over 70 years. Thus superposition allows a quantum computer to
outmuscle a classical computer by performing large amounts of computation with
relatively small numbers of qubits. Another mind bender is qubit entanglement:
something that, when explored, seems more like voodoo magic than a physical
principle. Entangled qubits transfer states, when observed, faster than the speed of light
across time or space! Wrap your head around that. All in all, this chapter explores all
the physical components of a quantum computer: quantum gates, types of qubits such
as superconducting loops, ion traps, topological braids, and more. Furthermore, the
current efforts of all major technology players in the subject are described, as well as
other types of quantum computation such as quantum annealing.
C
hapter 3: Enter the IBM Q Experience: A One-of-a-
Kind Platform for Quantum Computing in the Cloud
In this chapter, you will get your feet wet with the IBM Q Experience. This is the first
quantum computing platform in the cloud that provides real or simulated quantum
devices for the rest of us. Traditionally, a real quantum device will be available only for
xv
Introduction
research purposes. Not anymore, thanks to the folks at IBM who have been building this
stuff for decades and graciously decided to open it up for public use.
Learn how to create a quantum circuit using the visual Composer or write it down
using the excellent Python SDK for the programmer within you. Then execute your
circuit in the real thing, explore the results, and take the first step in your new career as a
quantum programmer. IBM may have created the first quantum computing platform in
the cloud, but its competitors are close behind. Expect to see new cloud platforms in the
near future from other IT giants. Now is the time to learn.
C
hapter 4: QISKit, Awesome SDK for Quantum
Programming in Python
QISKit stands for Quantum Information Software Kit. It is a Python SDK to write
quantum programs in the cloud or a local simulator. In this chapter, you will learn how
to set up the Python SDK in your PC. Next, you will learn how the quantum gates are
described using linear algebra to gain a deeper understanding of what goes on behind
the scenes. This is the appetizer to your first quantum program, a very simple thing
to familiarize yourself with the syntax of the Python SDK. Finally you will run it in a
real quantum device. Of course, quantum programs can also be created visually in the
Composer. Gain a deeper understanding of quantum gates, the basic building blocks of a
quantum program. All this and more is covered in this chapter.
C
hapter 5: Start Your Engines: From Quantum
Random Numbers to Teleportation, Pit Stop at
Super Dense Coding
This chapter is a journey through three remarkable information processing capabilities
of quantum systems. Quantum random number generation explores the nature of
quantum mechanics as a source for true randomness. You will learn how this can be
achieved using very simple logic gates and the Python SDK. Next, this chapter explores
two related information processing protocols: super dense coding and quantum
teleportation. They have exuberant names and almost magical properties. Discover
their secrets, write circuits for the Composer, execute remotely using Python, and finally
interpret and verify their results.
xvi
Introduction
C
hapter 6: Fun with Quantum Games
In this chapter, you will learn how to implement a basic game in a quantum computer.
For this purpose, we use the quintessential Quantum Battleship distributed with the
QISKit Python tutorial. The first part looks at the mechanics of the game, yet we don’t
stop there. The second part of this chapter takes things to the next level by giving it a
major face-lift. In this part, you will put Quantum Battleship in the cloud by giving it a
browser-based user interface, an Apache CGI interface to consume events and dispatch
them to the quantum simulator, and more. Impress your friends and family by playing
Quantum Battleship with your web browsers in the cloud.
C
hapter 7: Game Theory: With Quantum Mechanics,
Odds Are Always in Your Favor
This is a weird one, even for quantum mechanics standards. This chapter explores
two game puzzles that show the remarkable power of quantum algorithms over their
classical counterparts: the counterfeit coin puzzle and the Mermin-Peres Magic Square.
In the counterfeit coin puzzle, a quantum algorithm is used to reach quartic speedup
over the classical solution for finding a fake coin using balance scale a limited number of
times. The Mermin-Peres Magic Square is an example of quantum pseudo-telepathy or
the ability of players to almost read each other’s minds achieving outcomes only possible
if they communicate during the game.
C
hapter 8: Faster Search plus Threatening the
Foundation of Asymmetric Cryptography with
Grover and Shor
This chapter brings proceedings to a close with two algorithms that have generated
excitement about the possibilities of practical quantum computation: Grover’s search, an
unstructured quantum search algorithm capable of finding inputs at an average of square
root of N steps. This is much faster than the best classical solution at N/2 steps. It may not
seem that much, but, when talking about very large databases, this algorithm can crush it
in the data center. Expect all web searches to be performed by Grover’s in the future. Shor’s
integer factorization: The notorious quantum factorization that experts say could bring
current asymmetric cryptography to its knees. This is the best example of the power of
quantum computation by providing exponential speedups over the best classical solution.
xvii
CHAPTER 1
1
© Vladimir Silva 2018
V. Silva, Practical Quantum Computing for Developers, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4842-4218-6_1
Chapter 1 The Bizarre and Awesome World of Quantum Mechanics
2
Chapter 1 The Bizarre and Awesome World of Quantum Mechanics
3
Chapter 1 The Bizarre and Awesome World of Quantum Mechanics
Figure 1-1 shows the black-body radiation experiment along with the results
provided by the classical theory of radiation curves collected from experiments in the
1890s. Classical physicist’s experiments predicted infinite intensities for the ultraviolet
spectrum. This became known as the ultraviolet catastrophe and was the product of
dubious theoretical arguments and experimental results. If true, this would mean, for
example, that it will be dangerous to seat anywhere close to a fireplace! Planck sought to
find a solution to the ultraviolet catastrophe.
Planck used the second law of thermodynamics also known as entropy to derive a
formula for the experimental results derived from the black-body radiation problem.
S = k log W
This is Boltzmann’s entropy (S), where k is known as the Boltzmann’s constant and
W is the probability that a particular arrangement of atoms will occur for an element be
that a solid, liquid, or gas.
Using Boltzmann’s statistical method to calculate entropy, Planck sought a formula
to match the results of the black-body experiment. By dividing the total energy (e) in
chunks proportional to the frequency (f ), he came up with the equation:
e = hf
where e is a chunk of energy, h is known as the Planck constant, and f is the frequency.
Yet, he faced an obstacle; Boltzmann’s statistical method demanded the chunks
decrease to zero over time. This will nullify his equation and thus defeat its validity. After
much struggle, Planck was forced reluctantly to postulate that the energy quantity must
be finite. And here comes Planck’s incredible insight; if this is correct, it meant that is not
possible for an oscillator to absorb or emit energy in a continuous range. It must absorb
or emit energy in small indivisible chunks of e = hf which he called “energy quanta,”
hence the term quantum mechanics.
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Chapter 1 The Bizarre and Awesome World of Quantum Mechanics
This idea was met with skepticism by other scientists who labelled his theory as
nonsense, a cheap excuse for not knowing, or too bold, too fantastic to be true. The
result was a rift in the physics community with one camp around Bohr believing in the
quantum nature of matter and those supporting the classical view. Einstein will soon
join the fight in the classical side of the struggle.
Figure 1-2. Duality of the nature of the photon. It behaves as both a particle and
wave.
5
Chapter 1 The Bizarre and Awesome World of Quantum Mechanics
de Broglie used both Einstein’s famous equation for energy E = mc2 and
Planck’s energy quanta e = hf to find a relation between the wavelength (λ) and the
momentum (P) of a photon:
E = mc2 = (m c) * c
Given that (mc) is the momentum (P) of the photon and c (speed) = f
(frequency) * λ (wavelength), the equation becomes:
E = (P) (f λ)
But wait, Planck’s relation states that energy E = (h)(f); thus using basic algebra,
de Broglie concluded:
h * f = P * (f λ)
h=P*λ
λ=h/P
Figure 1-3. de Broglie relation between the wavelength and the momentum of a photon
6
Chapter 1 The Bizarre and Awesome World of Quantum Mechanics
Schrödinger used de Broglie’s ideas to find an approach that was more acceptable
to the status quo, marking a return to the continuous, visualizable world of classical
physics. He was right about his wave function but dead wrong about appeasing the
status quo.
Figure 1-4. Schrödinger famous wave function sought to describe any physical
system with known energy
7
Chapter 1 The Bizarre and Awesome World of Quantum Mechanics
Bohr and Heisenberg joined forces with Schrödinger given the incredible power
of his wave function, but they needed to work out their differences first. It all took
place in 1926 at a newly formed institute in Copenhagen where the three giants met to
discuss.
Schrödinger rejected the Bohr/Heisenberg concept of discontinuous quantum
jumps in the atom structure. He wanted to use his new discovery as a pathway back to
the continuous process of physics undisturbed by sudden transitions. He was in fact
proposing a classical theory of matter based entirely on waves, even to the point of
doubting the existence of particles. Schrödinger proposed that particles are in fact a
superposition of waves, a claim that was later proved wrong by Hendrik Lorentz who
brought him to his senses, proving that you can’t win them all after all. Schrödinger
will later waver in his conviction on the importance of wave motion as the source of all
physical reality.
Bohr, Heisenberg, and Schrödinger argued relentlessly until the point of exhaustion.
Bohr demanded absolute clarity in all arguments, trying to force Schrödinger to admit
that his interpretation was incomplete, Schrödinger clinging to his classical view,
sometimes bemoaning his work on atomic theory and quantum jumps (something that
he probably didn’t mean).
Schrödinger loathed Bohr interpretation of the atomic structure. A final piece was
required before these two could come to terms on a solid quantum theory.
8
Chapter 1 The Bizarre and Awesome World of Quantum Mechanics
A breakthrough came from German physicist Max Born, who developed the idea of
the wave function as the probability of an electron for a given state to scatter in some
direction. Born stated that the probability (P) of the existence of a state is given by the
square of the normalized amplitude of the wave function, that is, P = |ψ|2. This was
groundbreaking at the time as Born claimed no more exact answers; all we get in atomic
theory are probabilities. This brand new idea took Bohr interpretation of the atom in an
entirely new direction (see Figure 1-5).
Figure 1-5. Bohr vs. Max Born probabilistic view of the wave function
9
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the wound appears united, you may try each thread with a pair of
forceps; should any appear loose, then withdraw it, for after division
it can be of no use, and may provoke irritation; however, should it be
retained, employ no force; have patience, and it will come forth
without man's interference.
Feed liberally, regulate the
bowels by mashes and green
meat; smear the wound with oil
of tar to dispel the flies; for
should the accident happen
during the warmer months,
these pests biting and blowing
upon so delicate a part as the
eye may occasion more harm
than our best efforts can rectify.
When the lid is bitten through,
the operation is precisely THE LID, WHEN
DIVIDED BY THE
similar; the divided edges are to TEETH,
be brought together by sutures. BROUGHT
To prevent needless repetition, TOGETHER BY
an engraving of the bitten lid, MEANS OF
after the operation has been SUTURES.
performed, is here presented.
Let no man punish a horse for want of obedience; the sole use of
the creature and its only delight is to obey. Let no person abuse it
for having a hard mouth, or for not answering to the rein. Man had
the formation of the mouth, and its condition can be no fault in the
possessor; the horse's pleasure is the gratification of its master.
Observe the antics of the nag thoroughly trained and perfectly up to
the rider's point of jockeyship. Does not every fiber seem to quiver
with excess of happiness? There is a tacit understanding between
man and horse; the pretty arts and graceful prancings of the animal
tell how joyful it is made by the conviction that it is sharing man's
amusement. But let the equestrian dismount, and another, above or
below the horse's educational point, assume the saddle, that
understanding no longer exists. The harmony is destroyed; there is
no intelligence between horse and man. All the playfulness
disappears; the entire aspect of the animal is changed, and it sinks
to a commonplace "ugly brute."
The majority of drivers are very particular about the horse's
mouth; yet they all abuse the animal as though it was their desire to
destroy that which each professes to admire. Every supposed error
is punished with the lash, but the whip can convey no idea; the lash
does not instruct the animal; beat a horse all day, and it will only be
stupid at sunset. All the horse can comprehend from the smart is a
desire that the pace should be quickened; that wish it endeavors to
comply with. The person who guides the vehicle generally becomes
fanatic at such perversity; he begins "jagging" and "sawing" the
reins. The iron is violently pulled against the angles of the mouth, or
rapidly passes from one side to the other. Would the owner or driver
take the trouble to instruct his dumb servant in his wishes, the poor
drudge would rejoice to exhibit its accomplishments. But no
information is communicated by first urging and then checking; the
timidity is increased by the one, the angles of the mouth are
excoriated by the other.
Ladies' horses invariably have admirable mouths; ladies generally
are very poor equestrians, yet they encounter few accidents. Men,
who ride better, are oftener thrown and hurt. The gentleness of the
woman, or the sympathy existing between two gentle beings,
produces this effect The horse is never dangerous when not
alarmed; the feminine hand pats the neck of the steed; the feminine
voice assures the timidity; the whip never slashes; the reins are
never converted into instruments of torture; the weight is light and
the pace is easy. A perfect understanding is soon established
between the two, and the rider, notwithstanding her weakness, her
indifferent jockeyship, and her flapping dress, sits the saddle in
safety, while the animal increases in value under her care.
VARIOUS MODES OF FORMING THAT WHICH ALL MEN SPEAK OF WITH
ADMIRATION, AS A "GOOD MOUTH."
Man certainly does not gain by the contrast; the male treatment
does not improve the animal. The horse's memory, like that of most
dumb creatures, is very tenacious; the quadruped is not made more
steady by ill usage; the sore corners of the mouth oblige the animal
to be laid up "for a time," and the expense of medical treatment
increases the sacrifice consequent upon loss of services.
Trouble attends the circumstance, at which the favorite groom is
sure to grumble, even if the master does not receive "notice." The
food must be prepared; a few oats thrown into the manger, and a
little hay forked into the rack will not now suffice; all the provender
must be carefully prepared. At first, good thick gruel and hay tea
must be the only support. In a few days, boiled and mashed roots
may be introduced; these may be followed by cut roots boiled, but
not mashed, the whole being succeeded by scalded hay with bruised
and mashed oats. When all is
done however, the horse's
temper is not improved, and its
mouth is decidedly injured.
Such results will vex the temper
of any good groom, and very
many it will anger to the
throwing up of their situations.
They "will not get a horse into
beautiful condition for master
only to spoil."
EXCORIATED ANGLES OF THE
When the horse is thus MOUTH.
injured, ignore all filthy
ointments; such things consist
of verdigris, carbonate of zinc, horse turpentine, blue, green or white
vitriol, mixed up with dirty tallow or rank lard. Now, to grease a
horse's teeth is not much worse than to tallow its lips; if the former
prevent it from feeding, the latter is not calculated to improve the
appetite.
Discarding all unguents, have the following lotion prepared:—
Chloride of zinc Two scruples.
Water Two pints.
Essence of aniseed A sufficiency.
Pour some of this into a saucer, and, with anything soft, apply
the lotion to the sore places; do not rub or scrub; do your
ministering gently; so the parts are wet, no further good can be
accomplished; use this wash after every feeding or watering. In a
little while amendment is generally perceptible; where violence has
been used, it is impossible to foretell the extent of the injury. A
superficial slough may be cast off; this process is attended with
fetor; that the lotion will correct, and thus add to the comfort of the
horse. The cure, however, will possibly leave the horse of a lessened
value; where the skin has been destroyed it is never reproduced; the
wound will, therefore, probably
blemish, and may lead a future
purchaser to suspect "all sorts
of things." The horse is
certainly deteriorated; with the
skin the natural sensibility of
the part is lost. A cicatrix,
consisting only of condensed
cellular tissue, must form upon
the spot; this structure is very
feebly, if at all, nervous, and
PERMANENT when compared to the smooth
BLEMISH AND and soft covering of the lips,
DESTRUCTION OF may be said to be without
THE NICE
feeling, and is very liable to
SENSIBILITY OF
THE MOUTH. ulceration.
PARROT-MOUTH.
LAMPAS.
The horse's lot is, indeed, a hard one; it is not only chastised by
the master, but it also has to submit to the fancies of the groom.
"Lampas" is an imaginary disease, but it is a vast favorite among
stable attendants. Whenever an animal is "off its feed," the servant
looks into the mouth, and to his own conviction discovers the
"lampas." That affection is supposed to consist of inflammation,
which enlarges the bars of the palate and forces them to the level of
or a little below the biting edges of the upper incisor teeth.
Would the groom take the
trouble to examine the mouths
of other young horses which
"eat all before them," the THE LAMPAS IRON.
"lampas" would be ascertained
to be a natural development; but the ignorant always act upon faith,
and never proceed on inquiry. Young horses alone are supposed to
be subject to "lampas;" young horses have not finished teething till
the fifth year. Horses are "broken" during colthood; they are always
placed in stables and forced to masticate dry, artificial food before all
their teeth are cut; shedding the primary molars is especially painful;
of course, during such a process, the animal endeavors to feed as
little as possible. A refusal to eat is the groom's strongest proof that
lampas is present. But, putting the teeth on one side, would it be
surprising if a change of food and a total change of habit in a young
creature were occasionally attended with temporary loss of appetite?
Is "lampas" necessary to account for so very probable a
consequence? The writer has often tried to explain this to stable
servants; but the very ignorant are generally the very prejudiced.
While the author has been talking, the groom has been smiling;
looking most provokingly knowing, and every now and then shaking
his head, as much as to say, "ah, my lad, you can't gammon me!"
Young horses are taken from the field to the stable, from juicy
grass to dry fodder, from natural exercise to constrained stagnation.
Is it so very astonishing if, under such a total change of life, the
digestion becomes sometimes deranged before the system is
altogether adapted to its new situation? Is it matter for alarm should
the appetite occasionally fail? But grooms, like most of their class,
regard eating as the only proof of health. They have no confidence
in abstinence; they cannot comprehend any loss of appetite; they
love to see the "beards wagging," and reckon the state of body by
the amount of provision consumed.
The prejudices of ignorance
are subjects for pity; the
slothfulness of the better
educated merits reprobation.
The groom always gets the
master's sanction before he
takes a horse to be cruelly
tortured for an imaginary
disease. Into the hands of the
BURNING FOR LAMPAS.
proprietor has a Higher Power
intrusted the life of His
creature; and surely there shall
be demanded a strict account of the stewardship. It can be no
excuse for permitting the living sensation to be abused, that a
groom asked and the master willingly left his duties to another. Man
has no business to collect breathing life about him and then to
neglect it. Every human being who has a servant, a beast or a bird
about his homestead, has no right to rest content with the
assertions of his dependents. For every benefit he is bound to confer
some kindness. His liberality should testify to his superiority; but he
obviously betrays his trust and abuses the blessings of Providence
when he permits the welfare of the creatures, dependent on him, to
be controlled by any judgment but his own.
The author will not describe the mode of firing for lampas. It is
sufficient here to inform the reader that the operation consists in
burning away the groom's imaginary prominences upon the palate.
The living and feeling substance within a sensitive and timid animal's
mouth is actually consumed by fire. He, however, who plays with
such tools as red-hot irons cannot say, "thus far shalt thou go." He
loses all command when the fearful instrument touches the living
flesh: the palate has been burnt away, and the admirable service
performed by the bars, that of retaining the food during mastication,
destroyed. The bone beneath the palate has been injured; much
time and much money have been wasted to remedy the
consequence of a needless barbarity, and, after all, the horse has
been left a confirmed "wheezer." The animal's sense being confused,
and its brain agitated by the agony, the lower jaw has closed
spasmodically upon the red-hot iron; and the teeth have seized with
the tenacity of madness upon the heated metal.
When the lampas is reported to you, refuse to sanction so
terrible a remedy; order the horse a little rest, and cooling or soft
food. In short, only pursue those measures which the employment
of the farrier's cure would have rendered imperative, and, in far less
time than the groom's proposition would have occupied, the horse
will be quite well and once more fit for service.
APHTHA.
LACERATED TONGUE.
TEETH.