CHAP. V.] THE LYMPH AND CHYLE. TRANSUDATIONS. 235 



Characters of particular Transudations. 



Having discussed the general characters presented by the transu- 

 dations which constitute the various forms of dropsy, it is necessary 

 to refer to special facts connected with certain of these liquids. 



Pleura! The liquid which accumulates in the pleural cavities 



transuda- i n hydrothorax is clear, faintly yellowish, inodorous, and 



free from viscosity; it is possessed of an alkaline re- 

 action ; its specific gravity is low, usually between 1010 and 1015. 



In acute pleurisies, the liquid removed by paracentesis soon 

 coagulates, the fibrin which separates amounting to 0'4 or even 0'5 

 per thousand. Its specific gravity is above 1018. The amount of 

 solid matter exceeds 50 parts per 1000. 



In chronic pleurisies fibrin does not usually occur, and the propor- 

 tion of albumin in the transudation increases. 



Several analyses of pleural transudations have been given at 

 pages 232 and 233. 



Peritoneal Possessed of a faint yellow colour, density varying 



transuda- between 1005 and 1024. The liquid does not co- 



tions, Ascitic adulate spontaneously unless there have existed some 

 liauid , ', 



peritonitis. . 



Some analyses are given at pages 232 and 233. 



Liquid ef- Usually is colourless ; often spontaneously coagulable. 



fused into the Contains a larger quantity of fibrinogen than other 

 Pericardium. transudations. Contains from 0'879 to 2'468 p. c. of 

 albumin (Kuhne). 



Liquid of The density of hydrocele liquid oscillates between 



Hydroceie. 1016 and 1022. Its colour is usually a very faint lemon- 

 yellow > but may be much darker ; it sometimes has a greenish tint ; 

 sometimes it is slightly viscous. 



It contains a large quantity of globulins and serum-albumin, in 

 addition to the fibrinogen which has caused it to be the favourite 

 liquid for experiments on the formation of fibrin. In some cases it 

 contains a large quantity of cholesterin (1 5 p. c.). Succinic acid 

 has sometimes been found in it. 



The following is the mean of 17 analyses of hydrocele liquid made 

 by Hammarsten. 



Water in 1000 parts 938'85 



Solid matters J 6M5 



Fibrin (derived from fibrinogen) 0*59 



Globulins 13'52 



Serum-albumin 35'94 



Ethereal extract 4'02 



Soluble salts 8'60 



Insoluble salts 0'66 



NaCl 619 



