8 MODE OF PRODUCTION 



the evaporation or absorption of its more aqueous 

 particles. We find this progress to convalescence to 

 be hastened by the use of local and general stimu- 

 lants of such moderate power as is best calculated to 

 restore the tone of the capillaries. When the con- 

 gestion is very intense, or when that part of the 

 membrane affected is closely attached to bone or 

 cartilage, so as more nearly to resemble the structure 

 of serous membrane, then a more albuminous matter 

 exudes and forms false membranes, as in inflammation 

 of the larynx, trachea, or pharynx ; but these are 

 rarely organised, and the reason of this is not very 

 obvious. Probably several circumstances unite in 

 preventing its occurrence in mucous membranes; 

 thus the effusion will be disturbed by the passage of 

 various matters along the canal, its temperature will 

 be thus affected, the secretion of mucus from any 

 healthy part will also become mixed with it and 

 prevent its close adaptation to the inflamed mem- 

 brane, and the impulse of distension, or the com- 

 pressing force applied to the vessels of the latter, 

 may not be sufficient to cause organisation of the 

 deposit, whilst all the opposite conditions to these may 

 be shown to occur in inflamed serous membranes. 



In procuring the direct union of divided parts, a 

 certain amount of increased action is known to be 

 necessary for the effusion of an organisable albumen, 

 and in surgical practice these views as to the nature 

 of the agency by which that effusion is effected have 

 been long acted upon. In weak and debilitated 

 subjects the surgeon endeavours to induce the 

 adhesive process by giving stimulants so as to 



