It has not been the purpose of this section to go into details but rather to follow logically an outline of osteopathic etiology and pathology. The various details will be found in the osteopathic works on Principles as well as in the experimental articles referred to. It should be understood that the osteopath believes thoroughly in _vis medicatrix naturae_ whether the indications are for stimulation or inhibition or for the basic readjustment. Generally speaking, however, therapeutic philosophy resolves itself (ultimately) into the principle that a cure depends upon giving an impetus to impaired, habitual and latent forces, which in the osteopathic field implies fundamentally adjustive manipulation whereby the resultant impetus or physiological stimulus is initiated. In a word, osteopathy premises that the body is a vital and physical mechanism subject to derangements, structural alterations, and functional changes, as results of violence on the mechanical plane, as well as disturbances on the psychic and biochemic planes. Hence, osteopathic philosophy is inclusive of preventive, palliative and curative measure. FOOTNOTES: [15] Sajous—The Internal Secretions and the Principles of Medicine. [16] Foster—Medical Dictionary. [17] Hulett—Principles of Osteopathy. [18] Dana—Text Book of Nervous Diseases. [19] Barker—Reference Hand Book of the Medical Sciences. [20] Delafield & Prudden—Hand Book of Pathological Anatomy and Histology. [21] Adami—Inflammation, Allbutt’s System of Medicine. [22] See Case Reports, American Osteopathic Association. [23] Clark—Applied Anatomy. [24] McConnell—Numerous articles Journal A. O. A. 1905-19, Bulletins Research Institute; Deason, Bulletins Research Institute, Deason’s Physiology; Burns’ Osteop. World, Aug. 1905; Basic Sciences, Bulletins Research Institute; Pearce, Osteopathic Physician, Nov. 1905. [25] Sajous—Internal Secretions and the Principles of Medicine. OSTEOPATHIC DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS Osteopathic Diagnosis In osteopathic diagnosis the spine is the first and greatest object of interest, for on the result of its examination will depend the treatment to be given which is in turn hoped to bring about recovery. As it is the structure on which rests the weight of the body the practiced eye is able to detect at a glance, by the poise and gait of the patient, if there is an abnormal condition affecting any considerable area of the spinal column. It is well to observe these points, especially in the female, before having them prepare for examination, as it will often give a clue to sources of trouble through faulty carriage, improper dress, particularly corset and shoes. Slight changes of gait, unnoticed by the patient may be of great aid in determining the beginning of disease in the spinal cord.