“Disease often fortifies the system against the action of
remedies.” “Disorder often fortifies the system against the
action of remedies.” Which of these sentences is correct? As it
happens, the first is an actual quote (H. C. Wood, 1879)1(p445)
and so in that sense is the “correct” one. However, the question
remains: What are the differences, if any, between disease and
disorder? For that matter, where does the often-used condition
fit in? While these terms are frequently used interchangeably,
differences between them do exist and can assist the person
wishing to use them in more specific senses. Condition is
perhaps the least specific, often denoting states of health
considered normal or healthy but nevertheless posing
implications for the provision of health care (eg, pregnancy).
The term might also be used to indicate grades of health (eg, a
patient might be described as in stable, serious, or critical
condition). While this term is often used in medical discussions
to specifically indicate the presence o