ON THE EARLY STAGES OF INFLAMMATION 
[Philosophical Transactions, Vol. cxlviii, Part II for 1858, p. 645.] 
Received June 18—Read June 18, 1857. 
INTRODUCTION 
Tue morbid process designated by the term Inflammation, being one to 
which every organ and probably every tissue of the body is liable, and com- 
prehending as it does in its progress and consequences by far the greater number 
of the ills to which flesh is heir, possesses a deeper interest for the physician or 
surgeon than any other material subject which could be named. The practical 
importance of inquiries tending to elucidate the essential nature of this process, 
has been for centuries recognized by all enlightened members of the medical 
profession ; for it is obvious that just views regarding it must tend to promote 
the establishment of sound principles in the treatment of the diseases which it 
produces. At the present day more especially, when theory is allowed such 
free scope, and is permitted to attack the most time-honoured rules of practice, 
we stand in peculiar need of the beacon-light of correct pathology to enable 
us to steer a safe course amid the various conflicting opinions which assail us. 
Yet so far from our knowledge of inflammation being in a satisfactory con- 
dition, authorities are at variance upon the fundamental question, whether it 
is to be regarded, in accordance with John Hunter’s opinion, as active in its 
nature, and consisting in an exaltation of the functions of the affected part, or 
whether it should not rather be considered a passive result of diminished func- 
tional activity. 
In seeking for the solution of this great problem, we cannot expect to gain 
much from the contemplation of the more advanced stages and results of inflam- 
mation, such as copious exudation of lymph, suppuration, ulceration, or gan- 
grene. When any one of these has taken place, the nature of the original disease 
is masked to a great extent by the subsequent changes ; and the cell-develop- 
ment which occurs in lymph after its effusion, is no more proof of activity in 
the inflammatory process, than the loss of the vital powers in gangrene can be 
accepted as evidence in the opposite direction. It is upon the first deviations 
from health that the essential character of the morbid state will be most un- 
equivocally stamped, and it is therefore to the early stages of inflammation that 
attention must be chiefly directed in this inquiry. 
If the palm of the hand be chafed by long-continued friction, as for example 
in rowing a boat, the first thing that will be observed, when attention has been 
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