PART THIRD. 
THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. 
SECTION I. 
DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. 
CHAPTER I. 
. 
INTRODUCTORY. 
In treating of each disease there will be duly considered the symptoms, 
known or probable causes, intrinsic tendencies as regards termination in recov- 
ery or death, and the complications which are likely to occur, together with their 
probable consequences. 
The consideration of treatment will embrace not only the indications for the 
use of medicines, but of hygienic measures, which are of scarcely less importance. 
The means of prevention and of removing or obviating the causes of disease, 
being intimately connected with the study of treatment, will claim due attention. 
Before entering upon the consideration of individual diseases it is advisable 
to briefly touch at a few points of distinction which are of practical importance. 
Some diseases run a definite course, are but slightly affected by treatment, 
and naturally tend to end after a certain time. These are distinguished as se//- 
limited. 
The term expectant will be occasionally used. The treatment of disease by 
expectation consists in watching carefully its progress and meeting, with appro- 
priate measures, unfavorable symptoms as they appear; in fact, in withholding 
active treatment until the need of it is plainly evident. 
The so-called abortive measures are those employed to arrest the progress of 
a disease or cut it short in the first stage. Pad/iative measures are employed to 
relieve pain or suffering. Sustaining or supportive measures consist of tonics, 
stimulants, and food, and are especially required in acute attacks of great inten- 
sity, which threaten life by prostration of the vital forces. 
In prescribing drugs simplicity will be observed, and when possible, concen- 
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