BONE DISORDER IN COWS. 
643 
do,) then we must infer that the bones possess the properties 
of sudden expansion and contraction similar to those of the 
muscles. It may be well for us to observe, that not only the 
bones, but all parts of animal organisation, expand and con¬ 
tract in an imperceptible manner. Thus, up to the period 
of puberty, all parts expand: old age comes on, and with it 
a gradual wasting and collapse. This is a natural result— 
one of the uncompromising laws of nature, over which human 
agency (bone meal included) has not the least control. If 
the bones are diseased, it results either from impaired diges¬ 
tion or a disproportion between the carbon of the food and 
the oxygen respired; hence the “ bone disorder,” not being 
persistent, is only a result—a symptom; and as such we 
view it. As far as we have been able to ascertain the nature 
of the malady, as manifested by the symptoms, (caving in, 
wasting, absence of phosphate of lime in the milk, Sfc.,) we give 
it as our opinion,—and we think our medical brethren will 
agree with us,—that “bone disorder” is a symptom of dis¬ 
ease very prostrating in its character, originating in the 
digestive organs; hence not confined to the bones, but affect¬ 
ing all parts of the animal, more or less. And the only true 
plan of treatment, consists in restoring healthy action to the 
whole animal system. The ways and means of accomplishing 
this object are various. If it is clearly ascertained that the 
animal system is deficient in phosphate of lime, we see no 
good reason why bone meal should not be included among 
our remedial agents; yet, as corn meal and linseed contain a 
large amount of phosphate, we should prefer them to bone 
dust, although we do not seriously object to its use. 
The value of food or remedial agents consists in their 
adaptation to assimilation; in other words, an absence of 
chemical properties. These may be very complex; yet, if 
they are only held together by a weak chemical action, they 
readily yield to the vital principle, and are transformed. 
Atoms of bones are held together by a strong chemical 
affinity; and the vital principle, in order to convert bone- 
dust into component parts of the organism, must employ 
more force to transform them than it would require for the 
same purpose when corn meal or linseed was used, their 
chemical affinity being weaker than that of bones. 
In the treatment of any disease, we always endeavour to 
ascertain its causes, and, if possible, remove them; and what¬ 
ever may be indicated we endeavour to supply to the system. 
✓ 
functions, provided, however, the digestive organs, aided by the vital power, can 
overcome the chemical action by which the atoms of bone meal are held together. 
