METHODS OF INVESTIGATION. 127 



Raymond,* we shall have sufficient materials at our command for 

 tracing the abnormal as well as the normal circulation of matter 

 in the animal body to purely mechanical conditions. But all 

 these new discoveries, and the observations of earlier inquirers, 

 only yield us a number of hypotheses regarding the mechanical 

 metamorphosis of matter ; but the inductive proof of their accuracy 

 can only be obtained by means of a series of systematically con- 

 ducted quantitative analyses of the animal fluids. 



If we would investigate the alterations which occur in exudations, 

 and the laws by which these changes are regulated and controlled, 

 it is obvious that we must direct our attention not only to the 

 exudations themselves, but also to the mother-fluid from which the 

 exudations are derived, namely, the blood. It is obvious that it is 

 only by the juxtaposition of the analysis of the exudation and of 

 the corresponding blood, that any value can be attached to the 

 results of the former. The analyses of such exudations should, 

 however, be capable of comparison with one another, and not 

 conducted at hazard merely when the physician may happen to 

 meet with some interesting case. 



It may appear superfluous to those who know that the result 

 of an experiment nearly always depends upon the method employed 

 in the inquiry, if we venture to suggest that an accurate investiga- 

 tion of the exudations demands a strictly systematic mode of 

 treatment, or, in other words, an elaboration of the subject from 

 definite points of view, requiring the most careful consideration of 

 all the conditions involved, with a constant regard to the length of 

 time the exudations have existed, the nature of the products 

 exuded, the morphological metamorphoses exhibited by the latter, 

 and many other similar relations. If any apology be necessary for 

 these remarks, we would only observe that, to our knowledge, 

 no one has ever attempted to conduct the examination of the 

 exudations in the above-described rational manner. 



We may be permitted to ask, with some show of reason, whether 

 the quantitative analyses of the animal juices are at present con- 

 ducted in so perfect a manner as to satisfy the requirements for 

 which they are instituted. 



We have already considered at length, in different parts of this 

 work, the results which may be yielded by quantitative zoo-chemical 

 analyses, while we have shown, in no very favourable colours, the 

 fruits which they have actually afforded us ; but although they fall 

 far short of our expectations, they are yet fully sufficient to 

 * Unters. uber thierische Elektricitat. Berl. 1848-49. 



