mation is apparently one not so much excited by
these agents, as set up by nature to remedy their
deleterious effects. Stagnation and extravasation
are sufficient to explain the tension and pain in
the part subject to the action of causes of inflammation.
The immediate effect of the causes of inflammation
is plainly physical, as well as vital, if it
he vital at all. Inflammation itself is that process
which is set up to remove the effects of irritation,
and does not consist in the mere enlarged
or debilitated condition of certain vessels, or the
impeded motion of the blood contained in them.
To be satisfied of the first of these propositions
we have but to read the detail of experiments
given by Dr. Hastings,1 or to repeat and observe
the experiments themselves.
I have never been able to detect any phenomenon
from the effect of irritants applied to the web
of the frog, which would lead to the idea of
increased or diminished action of the minute or
capillary vessels.
The early effect of alcohol is stagnation of the
1 See the Treatise on Inflammation of the Mucous Membrane
of the Lungs; pp. 51, et seq.
blood. This stagnation may be confined to either
the upper or lower layer of vessels, as depicted in
Plate III, if proper precautions be taken in applying
the stimulus to the upper or under surface.
I have also repeatedly witnessed a singular phenomenon.
In a large vein, the globules have
partly adhered to its internal surface, whilst in its
central part, they have flowed on with more or less
regularity. I have also seen a considerable stagnation
cease all at once, and yield to a free flow
of the globules of blood.
These facts naturally lead to the conclusion,
that the internal surface of these vessels, is particularly
affected.
The application of a solution of the muriate
of soda is more prompt, and still more remarkable
in its effects, than that of alcohol. Stagnation,
and a deepened colour of the blood, are simultaneously
produced. This fact would lead us to
imagine that the stimulus penetrated even into the
internal vascular canals.
Is there exosmosis or endosmosis ? The first,
might induce stagnation ; the second might induce
the change of colour, of the globules of blood.
The subsequent changes are very remarkable.