188 GLANDERS AND FARCY. 



contemporaneously witli the nodular swellings. Sometimes 

 these inflamed vessels are so much enlarged from infiltration, 

 the result of the morbid action, as to stand boldly out in relief 

 from the surrounding surface ; at others they may of them- 

 selves be equally enlarged and swollen, and yet from adjacent 

 cellular intiltration give no evidence to the eye of their 

 existence. Their true state, however, in such circumstances, 

 may always be discovered by steadily passing the fingers over 

 the tract where they are likely to be situated. 



The physical appearances and characters of these ' cords,' or 

 inflamed lymph-vessels, are not always precisely similar. 

 Generally of the thickness of a goose-quill, they are rarely, 

 either in their bulk or the uniform resistance or tension of the 

 swelling, continuously alike. At irregular points along their 

 course, usually at the situations of the so-called valves, there 

 are dilatations or small circumscribed spots of induration and 

 elevation of tissue, which have not inappropriately been 

 likened to a string of beads or pearls. When these small 

 indurated swellings are fairly developed they do not often 

 disappear, but, like the primary farcy-bud, gradually take on 

 ulterior changes, terminating in central softening and discharge 

 of puriform material. These smaller buds further comport 

 themselves in a precisely similar manner to the larger ones, by 

 widening through ulceration, and ultimately coalescing, thereby 

 forming not merely an ulcerous sore, but an ulcerous sinuous 

 tract or cavity ; those unhealthy secreting sinuosities have 

 generally been known as ' farcy-pipes.' 



In some mild and decidedly chronic cases, although the 

 lymphatic vessels are distinctly corded and projecting from 

 the cutaneous surface, the nodulation generally observed on 

 their course may not be reached, but the lymphatic distension 

 and immediately surrounding infiltrated connective tissue may 

 remain in an inactive and indolent condition for a lengthened 

 period ; while should the general health be restored, and the 

 primary farcy sore take on a healthy healing action, the corded 

 and accompanying infiltrated state of lymphatic vessels may 

 disappear. 



Following as a sequel of the development of these specific 

 nodules or tumours, and of the diseased condition of the 

 lymjjhatic vessels, is the swelling and induration of the adja- 



