RESULTS OF INFLAMMATION. 15 



ment and diathesis of the patient. Age, sex, habit, atmosphere, and 

 season, all exercise an important influence in its progress and type. 



RESULTS OF INFLAMMATION. 



1. Resolution. — This is the most favourable result. It is the re- 

 storation of the part, as regards both structure and function, to its 

 original and normal state. Effusion takes place, the vessels are 

 relieved, the red globules move on, absorption takes place, and the 

 usual symptoms subside. Delitescence is the sudden disappearance 

 of inflammation ; and when it is attended by the establishment of a 

 new one, the term metastasis is used. 



2. 'Excessive deyosit. — Either of serum or fibrin, which has ex- 

 uded through the coats of the vessels. When serum is effused into 

 cellular tissue it constitutes oedema^ which is characterized by 'pitting 

 on pressure; when effused and collected in serous membranes, it con- 

 stitutes dropsy. The effusion of fibrin requires a higher degree of 

 inflammation, upon the subsidence of which new structures are 

 formed by the organization of the fibrin, and parts are repaired ; 

 hence the term plastic is applied to it. Thus wounds unite, bones 

 knit, and arteries consolidate. 



3. Hemorrhage, — Occasioned by the destruction of the coats of the 

 vessels. If it occur in the interior it is termed extravasation. It is 

 usually injurious, by producing pressure and exciting irritation, as 

 for instance, in the humours of the eye, or membranes of the brain. 



4. Suppuration, — The formation of a fluid called pus. It is 

 called laudable when it is yellow, creamy, and opaque; insoluble in 

 water, but readily mixing with it. It has no odour, but a slightly 

 sweetish taste. It is not corrosive, but bland and protective to ten- 

 der granulations until covered by cuticle. When confined, it pro- 

 duces disintegration of the textures in contact, by pressure. It is 

 the result of a vital action. It consists of a fluid and globules. The 

 fluid is the liquor sanguinis of blood effused ; this separates into 

 serum and fibrin ; the fibrin becomes granular by the formation of 

 exudation corpuscles, and these degenerate into pus-globules. When 

 pus is thin and acrid it is termed ichor ^ consisting mostly of serum. 

 In scrofulous persons it is flaky. When it contains blood it is called 

 sanies. When it is of a leaden colour, thick, coagulated, and very 

 offensive, it is sordes. Sometimes it is mixed with a subtle virus, as 

 the venereal or vaccine ; it is then said to be specific. When mixed 

 in the mucous or serous discharges, it is termed sero-purulent or 

 muco-purulent. 



When suppuration is profuse and long continued, in a debilitated 

 frame, it produces a fever called hectic, which is a constitutional 

 irritation different from the inflammatory type. It is remittent, and 

 attended with paleness of surface, except upon the cheeks. The 

 appetite is good, but yet there is great emaciation. The tongue is 



