112 PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. 



tonsil remains indurated, and very susceptible of becoming inflamed 

 on exposure to cold, &c. In such cases, extirpation of the gland 

 may become necessary, and has been practised with success. 



INFLABIMATION OF THE PHARYNX. 



This affection, which constitutes what is commonly called sore 

 throat, may be easily detected by an inspection of the pharynx, 

 which presents an uniform dark red colour, and is frequently spot- 

 ted with whitish patches. The general symptoms resemble much 

 those of tonsilitis, but there is seldom any marked degree of fever, 

 and no difficulty of respiration. The leading signs are, redness at 

 the back of the fauces, pain, and difficult deglutition, and a copious 

 secretion of mucus from the part. 



Treatment. — General bloodletting will seldom be required. If 

 the pain be vefy severe, leeches may be applied externally to the 

 neck, and the bowels should be freely opened by active purgatives. 

 At the commencement, the inhalation of steam affords most relief; 

 and as the inflammation subsides, recourse may be had to astringent 

 or stimulating gargles, nitrate of silver, and the internal use of ice. 



GASTRITIS [Inflammation of the Stomach). 



Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach may be 

 either chronic or acute. The latter, however, is very rare. 



Causes, — The chief causes of acute gastritis are, external violence; 

 acrid poisons ; (the most frequent cause ;) and cold drinks taken 

 whilst the body is heated. 



Sym'ptoms. — Heat, and acute pain, increased on pressure over the 

 stomach, or by coughing, or deep inspiration ; instant vomiting of 

 the matters ingested; constipation and prostration of strength. The 

 pulse is usually quick, small, and irregular; the tongue clean, and 

 red at the point or edges. The skin is hot and dry ; there is thirst, 

 and a desire for cold drinks. This disease is attended with great 

 depression of the heart's action through the influence of the solar 

 plexus of the great sympathetic. As it advances, the face becomes 

 collapsed, the extremities cold, and the patient lies in a state of com- 

 plete prostration ; cerebral symptoms now supervene, the abdomen 

 becomes tympanitic, and death soon closes the scene. 



The anatomical characters of acute gastritis are those of inflamma- 

 tion in general, but they may vary according to the exciting cause. 

 Thus certain mineral poisons may give rise to peculiar states of 

 the mucous membrane. In some cases, the inflammatory injection 

 and thickening are confined to particular spots ; sometimes they fol- 

 low the course of the principal blood-vessels, and on other occasions the 

 whole mucous membrane presents a uniform .vivid or dark red colour. 



Treatment. — The first indication of treatment in this, as in all 

 other affections, is the removal of the exciting cause. Should the 

 presence of any poison be suspected, the proper antidotes are to be 



