356 ADVANTAGE OF EXCRETION. 



and the sensation of general discomfort which per- 

 vades every sensitive part of the body (and parts, 

 even, which in health afford us no evidence of their 

 existence), are probably due to the presence of those 

 noxious matters which ought to have been eliminated. 

 Such considerations lead us to a plausible explanation 

 of the influence of methods of treatment, the utility 

 of which has been conclusively proved by experience. 

 Thus, we see how purgatives act beneficially in the 

 early stage of the feverish state ; and, of all pur- 

 gatives, calomel and other mercurial preparations. 

 These promote free action of all the glands which 

 pour their secretions into every part of the alimentary 

 canal, from the mouth to the anus. By this free ex- 

 cretion quantities of peccant substances are removed 

 from the blood, which otherwise would have remained 

 there. Similarly we may explain the beneficial action 

 of diuretics and sudorifics, of a course of German 

 waters, of the frequent use of the warm bath and of 

 the Turkish bath in many forms of disease. Those 

 living in cities, taking little exercise, and imbibing the 

 warm air of rooms, will do wisely if they excite 

 artificially the free action of the skin, kidneys, and 

 bowels, from time to time. In this way, and by care 

 in eating and drinking, they may keep the body in 

 fair health under great disadvantages, and diminish, 

 I believe to a very great extent, their liability to 

 troublesome febrile .attacks, to contagious fevers, and 

 to inflammatory disorders. 



