THE DIRECT INFLUENCE OF THESE FORCES AS CAUSATION OF DISEASE.
In its bearings upon the systemic conditions which we term health and
disease, this mysterious vito-magnetic fluid is of the highest import.
This great principle which fills the earth and all spheres, and governs
and binds them together--this great principle which is the source of all
life, animate and inanimate--this principle dominates in every vital
system, from man down through and beyond the microscopic forms of
existence.
The normal action of this principle in every part of the human system
constitutes _health_; its abnormal action, _disease_; its interruption,
_death_.
The human system is thus a delicately organized and exceedingly
sensitive vito-magnetic machine, and is virtually kept in action
through the operation of this principle. Any condition, therefore, which
may directly or indirectly influence or disturb this principle, may
influence or disturb the actions of every human organization.
In the search for causes of disease throughout the ages, this field, so
fruitful in material, has been left almost unexplored. The disclosures
of the early future will wonderfully change the sentiments entertained
in regard to the cause of a large proportion of our diseases.
Meteorological influence, although now comparatively ignored as a
disease-producing power, will ere long be recognized not only as _a_
power, but as _the_ power, far overshadowing all other influences
combined.
The character and extent of these influences are scarcely imagined. In
estimating them the attention of the profession is now mainly directed
to thermometric and hygrometric changes and conditions. These form not
the largest proportion of the perturbing influences constantly in
operation around us.
With the verification of the meteorological theory of causation, more
positive and rational ideas will prevail;--obscurity will, in a
measure, give place to clearer and more exact perceptions of the
character and relations of diseases, and a corresponding efficiency in
treatment may be expected.