GENERAL PATHOLOGY. 33 



are generally speaking lower in proportion to their distance 

 from the centre of the circulation, and are liable to much 

 variation, according to the state of the atmosphere. 



The temperature of the body represents the balance be- 

 tween the production and loss of heat, both of which 

 factors are under the control of the nervous system, and 

 are brought into constant relation with each other by cir- 

 culation of the blood. In fever this equilibrium is dis- 

 turbed, and the temperature rises. 



If the temperature exceeds 106° F. it is called hyper- 

 pyrectic ; if it exceeds 104° it is high, and if below 103° it 

 is slightly febrile. 



An elevation of temperature may result from diminution 

 of heat, loss, or from an increased production of heat, or 

 from both combined. 



Fever, however, is in all probability mainly due to in- 

 creased production of heat, as is evidenced by the rapid 

 emaciation and the increased elimination of products of 

 oxidation of tissues, viz., urea, uric acid, carbonic acid, etc. 

 In fever, other conditions also are associated with eleva- 

 tion of temperature : 



The skin is generally hot, and dry. In some cases it is 

 bathed in perspiration. 



Restlessness and delirium, are common nervous symp- 

 toms. 



The febrile condition is frequently ushered in by a chill 

 or rigor, due to the excessive and spasmodic contraction of 

 the cutaneous arteries. The skin is therefore either gene- 

 rally, or in certain parts relatively, or actually cold. 



The pulse and respiration are quickened in proportion to 

 the rise of temperature, and the character of the pulse is 

 modified. In the normal condition the pulse varies in 

 number from 36-40, and the respirations are about 8 per 

 minute. 



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