XIV INTRODUCTION. 



very little doubt that so far as internal parasites are affected much 

 can be done to render the places of their abode in the organism an 

 unsuitable habitation, by which is meant that the intestines when 

 they harbor parasites are not in a healthy condition and conse- 

 quently favor the production of parasitic germs, and that by the 

 administration of suitable remedies they may be restored to a 

 healthy condition and as a result rendered unfavorable to the pro- 

 duction and development of parasites; thus far drugs may be 

 useful, but it cannot be said that under such circumstances the 

 homoeopathic law is brought into practice; that is to say, in the 

 sense of curing a disease by drugs alone; the parasites have to be 

 destroyed, hence the process is a chemical one and not a thera- 

 peutic. Although many of these methods of treatment do not 

 come within the possible knowledge of a lajmian, it has been 

 deemed necessary to clearly point them out lest a misconception 

 should arise that all diseases can be cured by drugs alone; there 

 are limits in the application of the homoeopathic law of cure, and 

 it is desirable that this should be clearly understood, otherwise 

 discredit will be brought upon the principle and great disappoint- 

 ment experienced by persons who may be attempting an impossi- 

 bility. Although this attempt at expounding the tenets of the 

 homoeopathic faith has been made, the author feels he has but 

 feebly realized the objects aimed at; the difficulties have rather been 

 enhanced by reason of the necessity laid upon him by the pub- 

 lishers to avoid, as much as possible, technical professional terms; 

 still it is hoped that this introductory chapter will not be without 

 interest and utility, in so far as those who desire to avail them- 

 selves of the work may be able to comprehend the difference 

 between the man who has a principle to guide him in the selection 

 of a drug for any given ailment, and he who simpl}' does so by 

 guess work on the off chance that a cure may be hit upon. 



