THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 251 



ment would not be of much value, as all bones can be more o^ 

 less softened by means of weak acids. 



Having ascertained that the osseous structure is deficient ^ 

 earthy matter, and that the animal matter preponderates, we 

 are then in possession of facts which can be used to great ad- 

 vantage in preventing the malady, and perhaps treating it in 

 its early stage. The remedies are phosphate of lime, vegeta- 

 ble tonics, and stimulants. I use them in the following form : 



Phosphate of Lime, - 6 ounces, 



Powdered Goldenseal, 2 ounces. 



'■'' Sassafras, Sounces. 



" Ginger, 2 ounces. 



Oatmeal, , 4 pounds. Mix 



This is to be divided into sixteen parts, one of which may 

 be incorporated with the food every night. 



I recommend the medicine in this form because it is calcu- 

 lated to give tone to the function of nutrition. It is well known 

 that the maintenance of the functions of animal life are alm.ost 

 entirely dependent on the due performance of the nutritive 

 operations, and therefore the integrity and properties of all the 

 hard as well as the soft tissues depend on their regular nutri- 

 tion by a due supply of perfectly elaborated blood. This cannot 

 be effected unless the functions of circulation, respiration, and 

 secretion are performed with regularity. 



Circulation is necessary to convey a supply of nutritious 

 fluid, and respiration and secretion separate the blood from its 

 impurities. 



Therefore, in cases of this character, I advise stock owners 

 to endeavor to improve the general health of the patient by 

 means just suggested, and also that they should see that the 

 animal gets that kind of food which is rich in phosphates- 



It is very difficult to define the causes of this disease. It 

 may originate in a peculiar, morbid habit of body, or it may be 

 the sequence of faulty nutrition or hereditary predisposition. 



When an animal labors under any morbid habit of body, he 

 is in a state far removed from that of health, and various parts 

 of the body become affected by the change ; and even should 

 the power of forming good healthy blood remain, the organic 



