134 RmDERPEST. 



as in the experiment with the glass tube, covered witli mem- 

 brane — is toward the morQ concentrated solutions ; and the 

 bowels thus distended soon relieve themselves by purging. 

 A moment's reflection leads to the conclusion, that as by this 

 operation the circulation has been deprived more rapidly of 

 its saline constituents than it would have been by the force 

 of the disease, the latter has received fresh augmentation of 

 its power, and not the amelioration of condition antici- 

 pated. Another deduction and we have done. Salines 

 introduced even indirectly into the circulation to repair 

 waste, should never be in a concentrated, but a highly dilute 

 solution ; as it is only in this way we can institute an endos- 

 mosal current by which they may be carried into the circu- 

 lating media, and reverse the morbid current which tends to 

 carry them out. 



We are now in a position where we may essay what we 

 have proposed, and propound a method of treatment that 

 may best accomplish cure. We would gladly avoid the 

 responsibility which must always attend the proffers of those 

 who challenge an untried enemy. But if we are clothed in 

 the armor of science, and avail ourselves of the promptings 

 of a wise instinct inspired by her teachings and instructed 

 by the errors of those who have preceded us, we can hardly 

 fail. If we should, however, we are satisfied that thus we 

 will prepare the way for more successful overtures in future. 



We trust, however, that we may not be ranked with those 

 who have at first counted without their host, or at the last, 

 made false alliances. We do not propose to shield our 

 methods under any special theory, however fashionable. 

 We will not espouse all the conclusions of the chemico- 

 I)hysiologist, to the disgust of the humoro-pathologist, or 

 the disciples of the vital school. We "take the good 

 the gods provide" us. We essay only a common-sense 

 solution of the foremost intricacies in the problem before 

 us ; and will be content, if we succeed thus far, to leave 

 what remains to the fancy or skill of the theorists of all 



