DIAGNOSIS OF DISEASES. 15 



2. Direct symptoms are due to the fundamental dis- 

 ease or morbid process. 



3, Indirect or accidental symptoms are due to compli- 

 cations of the fundamental disease. 



To determine the affected organ all ascertained symptoms 

 are carefully reconsidered in the order in which they were de- 

 termined. The healthy apparatus are for the time being dis- 

 regarded, the diseased apparatus are given special considera- 

 tion. 



A variation in the normal functional activity of an organ 

 does not in itself indicate disease, it may simply be a compen- 

 satory variation (one due to an opposite variation in a similar 

 organ) due to the primary morbid condition. The therapeut- 

 ist's object is to ascertain the primarily affected 

 organ, bring about a cure in this and secondarily cause the 

 sympathetically affected organ to regain its natural condition 

 and activity. 



To discover the primarily aff'ected organ requires a 

 knowledge of the morbid processes that take place in each 

 organ and of the direct, indirect, local and general symptoms 

 produced by them. This requirement is still more important 

 for the final aim or ultimate purpose of diagnostics, viz : 



The recognition of the disease itself according to 

 kind, etiology, i n t e n s i t v and duration. 

 The method of examination of each organ will therefore be 

 followed by a short description of the most important diseases 

 of each. 



One who has not yet learned from his school training or 

 practical experience, to appreciate the various symptoms which 

 characterize each of the diseases and who has not a well- 

 defined mental picture of the appearance of each of the dis- 

 eases with which he must come in contact, will never become 

 a good diagnostician. 



Diagnosis per sc has a different value depending upon 

 whether it is made for a scientific or wholly practical purpose. 



