[HPforGrownups] Magical Cures for Medical Maladies

[Neil Ward]

No: HPFGUIDX 252

At 17:43 08/26/2000 -0500, you wrote:

I wonder if it might be that in order for there to be a magical *cure* for
something, the initial
 problem had to be *caused by* magic in the first place.  For example,
Harry's arm was deboned but Pomfrey fixed it with "Skele-Grow" (clearly  a
magical remedy!).  That problem could be fixed by magic because it was
 Lockhart's failed magic that caused the problem in the first place.
 
 Of course, I can contradict my own theory easily enough by remembering that
Madame Pomfrey says she can mend bones in a matter of minutes (and she does
with Neville).  But, is this because the accidents occurred on
 school grounds whilst learning magic???
 
 Any takers on this wild & crazy theory???  

***

Could it be something to do with the difference between disease and trauma?
Diseases or defects are, on the whole, chronic conditions which exist or
develop over a number years, whereas trauma (or injury) is an acute
condition, usually caused by an external influence. 

In the case of broken bones, cuts and bruises - whether caused by magic or
not - they can be fixed by magic. Magic, as the damaging factor, is just as
much an invasive, damaging force as a blow to the head or a burn to the
hand.  When it comes to genetic defects, chronic conditions or hormonal
effects, such as poor vision or acne, there is no quick spell to fix them.
A cure, although it can mean something that eliminates a disease, can also
mean something that helps nurse someone back to health, perhaps with varying
levels of success. 

So, I'd say we have damage-fixing spells for trauma and magical cures for
chronic conditions.  Unless anyone knows better <g>

Neil

            Flying-Ford-Anglia

 *****************************************

   "Then, dented, scratched and steaming, 
   the car rumbled off into the darkness, 
   its rear lights blazing angrily"

 [Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]

 *****************************************