A Dissertation on Horses / Wherein It is Demonstrated, by Matters of Fact, as Well as from the Principles of Philosophy, That Innate Qualities Do Not Exist, and That the Excellence of This Animal is Altogether Mechanical and Not in the Blood

The author argues that equine excellence arises from mechanical conformation rather than inherited innate qualities, challenging prevailing pedigree-based beliefs. He surveys historical and contemporary breeding and racing practices, critiques the reverence for bloodlines, and illustrates how form, symmetry, and function determine performance. The account weaves observational examples, comparative judgments between working and race types, and reports of foreign and ancient strains and celebrated stallions to support the thesis. Practical considerations for breeders and reflections on how fashions and errors shaped pedigrees underscore a call to evaluate horses by structure and use rather than asserted lineage.