The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1893-02-17
VETERINARY SCIENCE FOR THE
FARMERS.
WRITTEN FOR AND READ AT MILLvILLE
FARMERS INSTITUTE, FEBRUARY 7,
1893 BY c. E. WINNER, V. S.,
BLoOMSBURG, PENNA.

BLoOMsBURG, PENNA.
Medicine must be studied, as a sci.
ence and as an art; as ascience when it
under inquiries into all'the circumstances
which diseases become developed, the
condition of their existence and into
their nature and causes; as an art
when it is directed towards the recog
milton, the prevention and cure OF dis
ease. Yes, it is the art of understanding
the nature of diseases in order to ap-
preciate their causes, prevent their oc-
currence, when possible, aid to pro.
mote their cure.
Unfortunately some form of disease
is ever present in this country. Per-
feet immunity SO far as history shows,
never has been and it may reasonably
be expected never will be known SO
long as animals exist. This, though
not to the agriculturist a pleasant con-
sideration is nevertheless one calcula.
ted to generate good by arousing the
mind from apathy and stimulating it
to inquiry. For as we have means
within our reach to Lessen mortality
and in many instances to altogether
prevent animals contracting disease it
behooves us to keep careful look
out for predisposing causes and when
discovered, to avoid them as far as pos
sble and when unavoidable to adopt
means whereby they may be modified.
Man with his superior knowledge ex.
ercises from time to time the power
Of that knowledge for the benefit Of
his own species and those of the lower
animals over whom God has given
him control. But though men have
written and will continue to write on
the manifold diseases to which flesh is
heir, yet with all his talent however
great it may be, it may truly be said
no man possesses all the pathological
knowledge contained in the record of
his art. Yes, we must 60 back, back
into the lore Of our forefathers, COM
bine the opinions of the great ones
gone with those present and this with
the knowledge we ourselves possess, to
form any thing like trustworthy, com.
prehenslve, scientific and practical
treatment.
To know the cause Of disease is
sometimes to be able to cure it, often
er able to prevent it. To cure disease
an early diagnosis is most valuable.
| By detecting the spark before it is
famed into flame We may be able in
many cases to eradicate all that is
mischievous or dangerous. But this early
| detection is no easy task For many
diseases are still hidden IN mystery,
| they have alike baffled the medical
man and the veterinary surgeon. Their
origion is problem we cannot solve,
and their treatment is therefore un-
satisfactory and difficult.
| Grea. as the progress of Our sci
ence has been, much very much
remains yet to be done Nevertheless
baffeled as we are from time to time
wa struggle on finding new courage al
each step by the gradual experience
we gain. An experience which II
right hands may always be turned tC
good account. Veterinary Sanitary
Science has burst upon us like !
sunbeam, and chased many a darl
cloud away. AS in the sister pro
fesslon SO in our own this has now be
come an advanced study, the great i'm
portance Of this connecting link be
tween health and disease cannot be
lost sight of. The amount of disease
due to sanitary neglect has been anC
badly ventilated COW house, a damI
sheep fold, are often the unsupported
roots of many fatal maladies
Prescribed medicines are given, new
drugs are tried, while the cause il
allowed to remain undisturbed
This evil must be avoided, the spell
broken, or disease will still ride ram
pant. Nature is ever progressive
we may thwart her purpose, but hel
influence is ever the same, changes
are ever taking place, time rolls OF
and age brings with it many in
!. frmities. d.
il Climate, the nature of the soil
purity Of food and water, cleanliness
hereditary weakness are facts tha
must be observed by the farmer if h,
would maintain health and avoit
, disease. The system Of inspection
though still in many districts insufficient
is now more rigid, and by this means
the inter ests of the cattle owners ar,
better protected andtheir confidence il
strengthened in the power of ou
r government. Trade and intercours,
are necessary for the welfare of the
human family, and man cannot exis
, without the assistance of certain
animals, whose multiplication and i'm