INTRODUCTION. 43 



What is understood by a prognosis ? 



This is ciuother division of general pathology, and comes from 

 the Greek pro, '* before/' and gignosko, meaning "I know" — "I 

 know beforehand;" or it is the art of foretelling the issue of disease. 

 It may be general, as in lung fever, or it may be special, as in any 

 given case. 



It is the ability or knowledge to foretell the most probable re- 

 sult of the condition present, and involves an amount of tact or 

 knowledge only acquired by prolonged clinical experience. 



Define morbid anatomy. 



This is a division of general jJntJioIogy, and is the study of the 

 changes in the tissues and fluids of the body, appreciable to the 

 naked eye or with the aid of the microscope. 



What is treatment ? 



This is the last divisio}i of general path ologg, and is the most 

 important object in the study of veterinary medicine, from a prac- 

 tical stand-point; to learn how to cure, relieve, or prevent disease 

 is of no minor importance, and it is to be remembered that this 

 does not consist only in the giving of drugs, but requires strict and 

 faithful attention to the diet and hygiene. 



Treatment is the art of preventing, or taking care of the sick 

 and alleviating their sufferings, or of aiding and hastening their 

 cure. 



What is meant by prophylactic treatment ? 



This is where the object is to prevent the spread or develop- 

 ment of disease ; it also receives the name of preventative treatment. 



What is understood by abortive treatment? 



This is where the disease is cut short and i^revented from run- 

 ning its regular course, or when the disease is to be broken up, al- 

 though already begun. 



What is expectant treatment ? 



This is where the disease is allowed to run its regular course, 

 ■without trying to remove it, but being on guard for any obstacles 

 to its successful issue ; this is seen in continued fevers. 



We should try to assist nature ; do not try to improve her. 



