INTRODUCTION. 



1 HE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE is 



^^^^ both a science and an art. As a science it inquires into 

 l^^^l the existence, conditions, nature and causes of disease. 

 A science relates to facts ; it is not theory, it can be demonstrated. 

 The existence, conditions, and nature of the case, the location of 

 the disease, the causes of it, — these are all facts. 



As an art Veterinary Medicine directs its efforts toward the 

 prevention, treatment, and recognition of disease. It used to be 

 considered as an art only ; but now, the world over, it is regarded 

 as a scientific profession. 



What is disease? Disease is any deviation from the normal 

 condition i. e., from health. Health is best and most concisely 

 defined as the condition in which all the vital organs perform 

 their functions rhythmically. A disorder in one organ upsets 

 the others. Health implies that all are working in harmony. 



