TREATMENT OF INFLAMMATION. 131 



with general physiology and pathology, let me 

 briefly state the manner in which I propose to 

 conduct this inquiry. For it seems to me that the 

 only sure way of progressing in this, or any other 

 department of pathology, is to lay down and strictly 

 adhere to a clear, well-defined plan of procedure. 



In all the different forms of inflammation, how- 

 ever modified its effects, however varied its causa- 

 tion, the same term is universally applied to denote 

 the general nature of the disease. Whether, in any 

 particular case, it be regarded as adhesive, suppura- 

 tive, erysipelatous, syphilitic, rheumatic, scrofulous, 

 acute, or chronic; in short, whatever may be the 

 epithet joined with it to express some peculiarity in 

 its origin, intensity, or effects, the same essential 

 pathological condition is always admitted to be 

 present. It has further been established by the 

 latest inquirers, that certain physical phenomena in- 

 variably accompany it as immediate effects, and con- 

 stitute the only satisfactory proofs of its existence. 

 Now, the task on which I am about to enter is the 

 elucidation of the nature of this constant pathological 

 condition, and the explanation of the manner in 

 which it is itself produced, and of its mode of action 

 in causing those definite effects which so generally 

 result from its continuance. And it is solely to the 

 illustration of what I may be allowed to term the 

 mechanism of inflammation that my facts and argu- 

 ments will now be directed. The peculiarities of 

 action of those subtle and ill-understood causes 

 which induce the varieties met with in its secondary 

 effects, must remain for the most part unintelligible 



K '2 



