702 CHRONIC DISEASES OF THE LIVER. 



greater rapidity, wliile the others are more apt to take on re- 

 trogressive changes. Melanotic groivtJts or deposits seem 

 rather disposed to assume the infiltrated form than that of 

 out-growths ; they occasionally occupy a large extent of liver- 

 structure, or they may be scattered in circumscribed patches 

 throughout the gland. Lymplioid tumours when appearing 

 are usually numerous, distributed irregularly through the 

 organ, of a smooth, nodulated character and variable size, some 

 of. which appear ensheathed in a distinct capsule, and of vary- 

 ing consistence. 



The existence of these, although occasionally suspected 

 during life, the suspicion being verified by examination after 

 death, are still, in our present state of knowledge, not sufli- 

 ciently indicated while developing by either general symptoms 

 or physical signs to enable us to differentiate them. The two 

 latter conditions are probably more within the limits of our 

 diagnostic skill, seeing that with the symptoms of general dis- 

 turbance, confirmed ill-health, and steady marasmus, unac- 

 counted for by certainly existing and sufficiently enduring 

 factors, may yet in some instances have obscure indications of 

 varying character pointing in the direction of the probable ex- 

 istence of such textural changes. 



CHAPTER XLVIII. 



JAUNDICE — ICTERUS— THE YELLOWS. 



Although the condition recognised by these terms can 

 scarcely with propriety be regarded as more than an indication 

 or symptom, still, as it so often occurs without our being able 

 to assign a definite cause for its appearance, or indicate specific 

 textural or organic changes as alone connected with its develop- 

 ment, we are content in the meantime to allow it a distinct 

 existence as a substantive disease. 



Definition. — It may he regarded as an abnormal condition 

 occurring suddenly, or developing gradually, with or tvithout 

 pyrexia, accompanied with considerable functional disturb- 

 ance, in which numerous solids and fluids of the animal body 

 acquire a distinct yellow or saffron colour. 



Nature and Causation. — Usually grouped with, and regarded 



