302 
S. R. HOWARD. 
with the state of affairs. It will, therefore, reflect credit 
upon the practitioner who can estimate this in silence at its 
proper value, and pursue an investigation uninterruptedly to 
the end. , 
He should endeavor to obtain all possible information in 
the least time, and material agents for such a purpose are his 
eyes and judgment. It is not wise to seek information from 
the person who happens to be nearest or prominent on the 
occasion. First ascertain under whose care the animal was 
at the time of the accident, and direct to him the necessary 
interrogatories. Let them be constructed in such order as to 
facilitate the diagnosis. Having obtained sufficient data upon 
which to act, let the directions be given with decision, and 
personally superintend as far as practicable, their being carried 
out. Efficient detail and arrangement being established, 
state the line of action to be observed until the next visit is 
made, and as far as possible select an attendant upon whom 
reliance can be placed. Such men are to be found even 
among officious grooms and bystanders, and with them kind¬ 
ness, firmness and directions calculated to educate them in 
the principles demanded at their hands, tell forcibly, and 
many difficulties may be overcome. 
One of the greatest causes of failure with young practi¬ 
tioners is want of firmness in giving an opinion and directions ; 
and an arrogant, austere or despotic mode is equally repre¬ 
hensible. These should be strictly avoided. Ignorance and 
eagerness to know the worst frequently cause misinterpreta¬ 
tion of facts and motives, and particularly sentences that are 
not the offspring of mature deliberation; therefore, resist the 
attempts to elicit a hasty opinion. Above all, never let an 
absolute conclusion escape the lips until conditions are accur¬ 
ately investigated and circumstances carefully weighed. 
These accomplished, do not fail to let those who have the 
right receive a plain statement, divested of medical technicali¬ 
ties, including all reasonable grounds for the entertainment of 
hope or fear. The benefit of this will be exceedingly appar¬ 
ent when the patient is a valuable animal and the case serious, 
and especially with owners who are men of education. 
