Page:Linda Hazzard - Fasting for the cure of disease.djvu/98

 primary cause is one with that in functional troubles, its persistence is due to defects in organs that prevent elimination into the intestines, or to defects in the intestines themselves that hinder evacuation naturally or by mechanical means. If recovery be possible, these cases are most obstinate in yielding to treatment, for the process of cleansing is extremely slow and lengthy in accomplishment, while recuperation is delayed indefinitely. This class of cases requires more patience and caution than all others combined, since the patient is apt to become discouraged and to lose faith in. the power of nature to overcome the condition. Resort to food and drugs may again be had, and the outcome, doubtful before, is now inevitably fatal. The lesson to be learned when this situation confronts physician and patient is that of organic limitation. The vital organs are capable of function only within bounds, beyond which. are danger and possible death. Safety rests in natural processes alone; danger lies in tonics and in food.

A general classification of the symptoms of disease tending to limit certain signs to certain ailments can never be made with accuracy. It is true that medicine has ticketed