They therefore vowed not to learn anything that might effect consciously or unconsciously any immediate or remote change of outlook. The Indian officials under them had to work slavishly within the groove fixed by their foreign masters, and did not dare divert their attention beyond the line of action prescribed for them.
They envision research, plenty of it, for instance: into reasons for the action of homoeopathic potencies; into relationship of homoeopathy to other sciences, arts and philosophies; into fuller drug proving. Such work should be done by physicians and laymen together. A detailed outline is in existence.
Homoeopathic medication and conservative and constructive case management may be far from profitable as far as the drug houses are concerned, but why add to the patients discomfort and torture by trying this or that or these and those when everything is progressing peacefully and as satisfactorily as can possibly be expected?
Frequent x-ray pictures will do much to prevent this mistake. The development of atelectasis is seen only when Hypoventilation and emboli or aspiration give rise to local bronchitis. The resulting secretions provide the obstruction necessary for its occasion. Pneumococci which give rise to viscid secretions (apparently in direct proportion to virulence) are the most usual bacteria found.
The modern studies of nutrition were started seventy years ago when Voit and Pettenkofer first published their experiments on metabolism. These experiments determined the now well known chemical composition of foods and the caloric requirements of the animal organism.
This applies to patients who carry what is termed normal tension and it applies to hypotension as well although with an excessive hyposystolic tension the lowering, if the patient is curable, will soon be succeeded by a rise. There are a few exceptions to this rule. First, when the medicine has no similarity at all. Second, a transient rise resulting from a homoeopathic aggravation
The danger of medico-legal entanglements is exceedingly slight. There is no law to compel any physician to prescribe according to any set formula. Regimentation in medicine is at present limited to psychological pressure. Compulsion by legal means is as yet somewhat remote. Medical freedom is still worth a good fight.