346 OF THE GROWTH OF BIOPLASM 



points, which leads me to conclude that the bioplasm 

 had actually increased in amount by growth long 

 after the circulation had completely stopped. The 

 walls of the vessels are much altered, and in some 

 instances the bioplasts are five times as large as in the 

 normal state, and project much into the interior of 

 the vessel, dividing and subdividing freely or proli- 

 ferating, as the saying is. I have observed these facts 

 both in man and animals. 



So far, therefore, from there being increased activity 

 of the circulation (as inferred from the rapidity of the 

 heart's action) associated with the hot feverish state 

 as used to be supposed the latter is characterised by 

 restricted capillary circulation and a tendency to com- 

 plete obstruction of so many of the capillary vessels 

 that many tissues and organs are seriously deranged, 

 their structure damaged, and in bad cases even death 

 occasioned. Now, it is this tendency to the increase of 

 the bioplasm that he who treats fever must endeavour 

 to avert ; and one thing which contributes in a most 

 important degree to effect this end is the maintenance 

 of the force of the heart's action, as has been already 

 pointed out. By promoting free circulation, so as to 

 keep the whole mass of the blood constantly moving, 

 and mingling, and changing, not only is the growth of 

 its bioplasm impeded, but the bioplasm already formed 

 is exposed to oxidation and other changes, which lead 

 to its disintegration, to be soon followed by the removal 

 of the products of its decay. Wherever the circula- 



