The pathological process. V. Experimental modelling in pathology: general theoretical problems

The theoretical analysis of the characteristic features of pathological processes is being continued with the experimental modelling of the pathological process, with emphasis on gnoseological and heuristic aims. The paper discusses: the compulsory working hypothesis which includes the known and the probable data resulting from the observation of phenomena, the qualities and value of the experimentation for the verification of the working hypothesis, the general features of the experimental modelling in pathology and its purposes, the types of experimental models (simple, two times perturbing and complex) with exemplification and discussion of qualities and limits, the general evaluation and limits of experimental models, the practical elaboration of experimental models with emphasis on the main rational operations, like the choice of animals, of the ways of administration of perturbing agents, of experimental and control lots, of sacrification modalities, as well as the relevance of the experimental results for enlarging the knowledge of the pathological process investigated.