16 THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 



this way ; it is the property of the industrious and devoted stu- 

 dent, and from all others it is withheld. Facts in medicine are, 

 like the hidden treasures of the earth, only to be discovered by 

 patience and industry. 



In order to obtain the necessary knowledge for successful prac- 

 tice, some often have devoted a lifetime to it, yet, after all, ac- 

 knowledged themselves but feeble children, in regard to the mag- 

 nitude of their professional responsibilities. 



It follows, then, that there is no hereditary road to medical 

 truth ; that the necessary knowledge which our art requires as 

 an element for its correct practice, can only be attained by un- 

 remitting and methodical observation, by years of careful stud/ 

 and practice. 



But we refer to a rational system of medication founded upon 

 the physiological laws of life ; a correct system of therapeutics, 

 pathology, and chemistry, without a knowledge of which no man 

 can ever practise this science with any degree of credit or success. 



Reader, let us reason together. Every qualified human prac- 

 titioner enters upon the duties of his profession with an under- 

 standing of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and chemistry, and 

 has other scientific qualifications, all of which, combined, enable 

 their possessor, under the direction of a trained intellect, to under- 

 stand the laws of nature ; to comprehend her ways and means of 

 sustaining the vital forces, promoting their harmony, and pre- 

 venting discord. 



Such an individual possesses a knowledge of what is already 

 known, or believed to be so, of the theory and practice of medicine 

 in all its details ; his own daily experience confirms the facts or 

 points out errors. He treasures up the one and rejects the other, 

 and in the investigation of a medical case, the human surgeon 

 finds a useful guide to correct diagnosis in conference with his 

 patient. The responses of the latter throw considerable light on 

 the nature, locality, and intensity of the malady. These advan- 

 tages have no parallel in veterinary medicine ; we cannot ques- 

 tion our patients, and can only judge of the state of their health 

 by physical examination — by the signs revealed. Hence the 

 greater need of preliminary education and tact on the part of 

 those who undertake to prescribe for brutes. 



