INTRODUCTION. 15 



disease. It is this power that heals wounds, unites broken 

 bones, and supplies lost substances. Diseases are not 

 unfrequently efforts in this direction, and to stay the ac- 

 tion of hurtful material when admitted into the system, 

 or the eye, for instance, receives a particle of sand or 

 hay-seed, the weeping of the secr^ions of pus are reme- 

 dial measures to rid the eye of the offending body. Poi- 

 sons are good examples of the manner in which animals will 

 cure themselves. When poison is taken into the stomach, 

 irritation of the bowels is set up, followed by purging, as 

 an effort to get rid of the poison. Nature, however, is 

 not always successful, and the animal may die from the 

 violent action set up. Again, a sprain will be cured by 

 this very power, provided absolute and entire rest be al- 

 lowed to the sprained part, without any interference from 

 medicine or art. The remedial powers of nature often 

 require assistance, as, for instance, in cases of debility, 

 when the blood is becoming too watery. A few doses of 

 iron, and in many cases a little extra food, will enable 

 the sanative powers of the constitution to effect a complete 

 cure. -Often the removal of an animal from the sphere 

 of exciting causes of disease, will cause the effect to 

 cease, and the power of nature will cure the affection. 

 Hence, many persons reflect upon the many instances 

 when apparently severe cases of sickness were cured by 

 some simple substance, and much credit given to a power 

 it never possessed. Where the powers of nature are left 

 to perform a cure, let the strength of the animal be main- 

 tained, because if that fail, where is the chance of reco- 

 very? Blood-letting and physicking are powerful and 

 depressing agents, so much so, that when carried to any 

 extent, few, if any animals, by the little power that may 

 be left, will cure themselves. It is this knowledge that 



