TREATMENT OF INFLAMMATION. 233 



of extremely tenacious semi-gelatinous ov-albumen, 

 very similar in physical appearance to recently effused 

 fibrine, was introduced into the peritoneum of a 

 rabbit ; and on killing and examining the animal a 

 few hours afterwards, not a particle of it was to be 

 found. In the treatment of inflammation we have, 

 therefore, every inducement to be prompt and 

 vigorous in the use of remedies calculated to acce- 

 lerate the absorbing process, inasmuch as the delay 

 of a few hours may convert a semi-fluid mass, ca- 

 pable of speedy absorption, into a solid unmanageable 

 substance, which, prior to the possibility of its re- 

 moval, must undergo a tedious and uncertain process 

 of digestion. 



It is not my intention to dwell at any length upon 

 the action of the particular remedies by which we 

 endeavour to promote the absorption of solidified 

 fibrine. The preparations of mercury and of iodine, 

 and the alkaline salts, which are the substances ge- 

 nerally administered in these cases, can but indi- 

 rectly assist absorption by aiding the solution of the 

 effused matters. The relative power of these agents, 

 and the conditions under which they operate with 

 greater activity, are points on which we do not 

 possess much positive information, and from their 

 great practical importance, it is highly desirable that 

 they should be made the subject of further investi- 

 gation. 



We have now noticed the two chief principles to 

 be observed in the treatment of acute inflammation. 

 Were it possible by any medicinal agencies to di- 

 rectly remove the capillary obstruction, which con- 



