66Q 
BOTANY AS APPLIED TO VETERINARY SCIENCE. 
illustration is sufficient to explain what we mean by pre¬ 
dominant elements. Without a very close analysis of 
symptoms, an incomplete or erroneous diagnosis may easily 
be formed, and a ruinous system of treatment built upon 
it. At the risk of being tedious, we must reassert that the 
whole success of our remedies depends upon ascertaining, ab¬ 
solutely and definitely, what is the defect to be remedied. 
The selection of any one prominent symptom may lead to an 
entirely wrong conclusion. It is only.by a comprehensive 
view of the whole evidence, that the true pathology of a 
malady can be appreciated. 
Secondly. In the absence of sufficient evidence to satisfy 
the mind of the exact nature of the disease, no decidedly 
active measures should be instituted. The system may then be 
more safely left to the restorative action of its own functions, 
than treated actively on an empirical plan, in which the 
chances are much in favour of the wrong, course being taken. 
Urgent symptoms, as pain or extreme excitement, may 
properly be attacked without waiting at all times to discover 
their causes; but in reference to serious disturbance of the 
organism, we speak advisedly when we say—to do nothing 
is far better than to act in ignorance of what is to be done. 
Thirdly. Remove all opposing influences, in the shape of 
predisposing or exciting causes of disease, so far as they are 
under our control; also all impurities in the agents used, and 
in fine all those influences whose operation we have before 
considered. 
Lastly. Arrange the times of administration of the agent, 
with the intent to keep up its action, and give the dose with as 
little disturbance to the animal as may be. For this purpose 
we advocate the form of powder whenever admissible. 
Our somewhat discursive and lengthened introduction 
concluded, we now pass to the examination of the three varieties 
of medicinal action, and their influence upon disease. 
[To he continued .) 
BOTANY AS APPLIED TO VETERINARY SCIENCE. 
By W. Watson, M.R.C.V.S., Rugby. 
(Continued from p. 511.) 
The injurious effects produced on a cow from eating a large 
quantity of the hollyhock (Althrea Hosed). 
Tiie action of the hollyhock ( Althaea Rosea), when partaken 
of by a cow in large quantities, has recently come under 
my observation, and I think it of sufficient interest to record 
