THERAPEUTICS. 21 



have produced. These two fields of work, morbid anatomy 

 and histology, have done much to advance our knowledge of 

 diseased processes ; and in conjunction with the cultivation of 

 the science of physiology in its widest sense, must be depended 

 upon for the elucidation of many of the yet unsolved problems 

 of disease which we regard as merely modifications of normal 

 activities. 



V. Therapeutics. 



Whatever estimate we may place upon the careful noting 

 and consideration of the matters already detailed, we find that 

 all must converge to the ultimate point — and are only valuable 

 in so far as they elucidate this — of furnishing indications for 

 management of the individual case, the regulation of its thera- 

 peutic treatment — the ultimate object of all medical study. 



One gTeat reason why directions have been pointed out 

 rather minutely, as to the correct gathering of information re- 

 specting individual diseases, is to guard against falling into the 

 common error of indulging in merely routine practice ; the 

 treating of diseases by name, and according to the class to 

 which we believe they belong ; the merely acting upon the in- 

 ferences, deductions, and experience of others : forgetting that 

 each case ought to furnish a separate study, as likely to ex- 

 hibit individuality of features and phenomena, and to be bene- 

 fited by, or to necessitate, an individuality of treatment. 



In order to avoid such mistakes, and secure all possible ad- 

 vantage and benefit, it is needful that we should keep in our 

 recollection those objects we purpose achieving. 



1. We must ever recollect that in many instances of general 

 disease there is the danger of its extending, and that our first 

 duty is to take such steps as shall secure to the best of our 

 ability the immunity of those as yet unafifected. The exercise 

 of these preventive or prophylactic therapeutics is in veterinary 

 medicine of the utmost importance, from the association and 

 close contact which our patients so often hold with each other. 



By the proper application of remedies of a like class, it is 

 not to be forgotten that in the individual we may exercise an 

 influence whereby certain maladies of a recurring character 

 may be diminished : this will be particularly seen if we con- 

 sider the numerous atfections of the digestive organs to which 

 the horse is liable. And it is more through a careful and 



