14 BOVINE PATHOLOGY. 



mouth, or by manipulation of the surface, whereby we are 

 enabled to ascertain by touch the form of superficial 

 structures, their relations, and size, determining whether 

 these are normal or abnormal. Their consistence is de- 

 tected by palpation, skilled touch. The ^' t actus eruditus" 

 reveals many obscure states, such as deep-seated ab- 

 scesses, aneurisms, &c. 



The ophthalmoscope and other valuable instruments are 

 limited in their application. The exploring or grooved 

 needle must be mentioned here, for its value in deter- 



FiQ. 1. — Exploring trochar (used for the same purpose as the grooved needle). 



mining the contents of fluctuating swellings, cavities, and 

 the constituents of tumours. It is so small as not to 

 seriously injure the parts into which it is introduced. Its 

 groove or cup brings up sufficient material for micro- 

 scopical examination. It is to us what the dredge is to 

 the deep-sea explorer. It must not be supposed that the 

 methods of observing symptoms suggested by us require 

 to be all adopted in every case. Our aim is to ensure 

 systematic examination of those symptoms of disorders 

 which from their general prevalence may be deemed of 

 minor importance. The determination of the seat of dis- 

 order will suggest to us which of the less general aids 

 should be adopted in any particular case. 



Prognosis must depend upon extended diagnosis. It 

 too frequently assumes the character of simple guesswork 

 or of empirical surmise. The practitioner should in fancy 

 ''see through ^^ his patient, should know what parts are 

 diseased, their pathological conditions, with the possibility 

 of renovation, the resisting power due to constitutional 

 energy of the patient ; also the probable influence of medi- 

 cinal means. He must note how the disease tends to inter- 

 fere with essential vital functions, and especially its influence 

 upon the '' vital trio,'' the brain, heart, and lungs. 



