THE BLOOD. 77 



partly by the coagulation of the blood, and as the disposition 

 of the blood to coagulate is increased by weakening the body, 

 and likewise the contraction of the bleeding orifices is promoted 

 by the same means, it is therefore evident that the medicines 

 to be used should be such as cool the body, and lessen the 

 force of the circulation; and experience teaches us, that such 

 are the most efficacious (LI). 



It likewise shows that all agitation of mind arid all bodily 

 motion should as much as possible be prevented; because they 

 increase the force of the circulation, and are thence unfavor- 

 able to the stopping of the hemorrhage. But that languor and 

 faintness being favorable to the coagulation of the blood, and 

 to the contraction of the bleeding orifices, should not be coun- 

 teracted by stimulating medicines, but on the contrary, should 

 be encouraged. And as evacuations weaken the body more 

 when they are sudden, we see a reason why bloodletting should 

 be advisable in hemorrhages, and why a large orifice should be 

 preferable to a small one, when we want to produce that languor 

 or faintness, or that weak action of the vessels, so useful for the 

 stopping of the hemorrhage. 



Before we conclude, it may be added that the practice here 

 proposed is far from being new or uncommon ; but as some 

 have recommended opposite methods, and both parties have 

 appealed to experience, where authority so equally balances 

 authority, the young practitioner must be at a loss which to 

 follow, and for want of principles to direct his choice may fre- 

 quently adopt the worst practice : witness the use of port wine, 

 and other stimulating astringents, which is so very common in 

 most parts of England. 



(LI.) See page 47. 



