EXERCISE. 235 



system of inconsistencies, a rowel had 

 been inserted, as if the whole process had 

 been intentionally calculated to increase the 

 cause and inveteracy of disease. From the 

 ill effects of this case (which is critically ac- 

 curate and authentic) may be derived a lesson 

 of the greatest utility to those who, perfectly 

 happy in the vortex of personal confidence 

 and self-sufficiency, so frequently become 

 the dupes of their own imaginary superiority 

 and indiscretion. 



If the cause had been inflammatory, aris- 

 ing from the visible effect of plenitude, vis- 

 cidityy or gro^s impurities in the habit, the 

 various evacuations might have been rota- 

 tionally adopted, and justified upon the prin- 

 ciples oi rational ^vTiciic.e and medical consis- 

 tency; but unfortunately, in the present in- 

 stance whatever tended to reduce the system 

 and dissolve the crassam*entum of the blood, 

 inevitably increased the very evil they were 

 endeavouring to mitigate. It was equally 

 remarkable and extraordinary, that no one 

 article was brou«;ht into use but what be- 

 came additionally injurious to the cause it 

 was intended to serve ; all which mi^ht have 



