JAUNDICE. 57 



10. In a considerably large number of newly-born 

 children, the skin and conjunctiva are tinged yellow, 

 and the urinary secretion contains the brown colouring- 

 matter of bile, which here, as elsewhere, indicates the 

 existence of true Jaundice, and distinguishes it from all 

 other yellow discolourations, and that laid down at page 

 o'J, which I have termed the SPURIOUS FOKM]O infantile 

 Jaundice. This is the icterus infantum icterus neona- 

 torum yellow gum, or true infantile Jaundice. As a 

 general rule, the origin of this icteroidal appearance is 

 connected with changes which the function and the 

 circulation of the liver undergo during birth, and has 

 been attributed to various pathological conditions or 

 causes, viz. 



To catarrh of the bile-ducts ; occlusion of the ducts by 

 thickened bile ; or by concretions, as noticed and recorded 

 ilhitT, Portal, and others. 



To congenital obliteration of the bile-ducts. 



To thickening of Glisson's capsule. 



To congenital cirrhosis of the liver. 



To a stagnant and altered condition of blood, contained 

 in the umbilical vein, changing the state or colour of the 

 serum. 



To obstruction of the opening of the ducts from viscid 

 meconium, or mucous sordes. 



To a spasmodic condition of the excretory ducts. 



To an inordinate quantity of the biliary secretion. 



To obstruction, or a paralyzed condition of the secret- 

 ing structure of the liver. 



These and many more may be set down as causes of 

 infantile Jaundice; but the mode of production of 

 " icterus neouatorum," in ordinary cases, must be sought 



