For many reasons we should be able to rely upon our own diagnoses. Capability in diagnosis renders us independent of the errors or false beliefs of others. Since it includes a knowledge of subluxations, not included in medical training but still vital to correct interpretation of morbid phenomena, it can be more accurate than any diagnosis which ignores these causal factors. A habit of diagnosing one’s own cases enables one, always resting on his own judgment, to correct and improve himself through all errors, for which he is then alone responsible. A general knowledge of medical diagnosis, of pathology, bacteriology, etc., enables a Chiropractor to meet the physician on common ground; in fact, it gives the Chiropractor a distinct advantage, since he knows not only what his medical friend knows but also the all-important facts regarding the spine which are unknown to others. Such knowledge and the ability to discuss disease intelligently also furnishes common ground with every patient. Each patient is a specialist in the disease he believes himself to have and he expects from his doctor a greater knowledge than his own. The recognition of contagious or infectious diseases as such is an absolute necessity in order to obey the laws and safeguard the public health. The exact condition and degree of vitality of the patient and the knowledge of the existence of abscess, gangrene, intestinal obstruction, etc., often warns the Chiropractor that his adjustment would be dangerous to the patient. Much possible injury is avoided by accurate diagnosis. Even the frequency with which adjustments should be given depends upon diagnosis. Special Cases There are certain cases which a Chiropractor is powerless to aid and immediate recognition of such cases will save much trouble. In intestinal obstruction from intussusception or from strangulated hernia, for instance, it is best to advise the calling of a surgeon immediately, while in obstruction from volvulus or intestinal paralysis the adjustments may afford relief and should at least be tried first of all. Any internal abscess presents a possibility of rupture into a serous cavity or the substance of a parenchymatous organ and is therefore dangerous, while a superficial abscess, pointing toward the surface, can best be cared for by adjustment. A badly ulcerated or gangrenous appendix may rupture under adjustment and be followed by diffuse peritonitis. The fragile walls of the ileum in typhoid may perforate under adjustment, while in its earlier stages the disease is easily curable. The rotted vertebral bodies in Potts’ Disease (spinal caries) may be crushed under the heavy hand of an ignorant adjuster. Intelligent case-taking _must_ include accurate diagnosis. Frequency of Adjustments