FEVERS. 605 



One is, the sense of thirst, which, as a powerful stimulus, 

 ought always, in one way or other, to be removed. 



Another stimulus frequently arises from crudities, or corrupt- 

 ed humours in the stomach ; and it is to be removed by vomit- 

 ing, by dilution, or by the use of acids. " The antiphlogistic 

 regimen also implies the use of diluent fluids, which not only 

 render all such acrimony inert, but promote the evacuation 

 of the contents of the stomach in general. From this view, 

 therefore, diluents are extremely proper, particularly when 

 joined with acids, which will be considered under the head of se- 

 dative medicines." 



A third stimulus often arises from the preternatural retention 

 of faeces in the intestines ; and ought to be removed by frequent 

 laxative glysters. " The case of flatus broken downwards, shews 

 the sense of distention over the whole system which commonly 

 precedes, and the general relaxation which attends, their dis- 

 charge. It is indeed difficult to explain the connexion of a small 

 portion of the great guts with the whole system ; but the fact is 

 undoubtedly true, that the whole alimentary canal has a remark- 

 able connexion with the whole nervous system. We can under- 

 stand, therefore, to what the irritation of hardened faeces will 

 amount, and how necessary it is to avoid it. But the suppression 

 of the usual secretions into the intestines in fever renders the 

 faeces dry, and occasions costiveness. A part of the antiphlogistic 

 regimen, therefore, consists in the frequent use of emollient and 

 laxative glysters, or even stronger means for taking off this ir- 

 ritation. 1 ' 



A fourth stimulus to be constantly suspected in fevers, is a 

 general acrimony of the fluids, as produced by the increase of 

 motion and heat, joined with an interruption of the excretions. 

 This acrimony is to be obviated or removed by the taking in 

 of large quantities of mild antiseptic liquors. 



CXXXII. The avoiding of irritation in all these particulars 

 (CXXX. and CXXXI.) constitutes the antiphlogistic regi- 

 men absolutely necessary for moderating the violence of reac- 

 tion : and, if I mistake not, is proper in almost every circum- 

 stance of continued fevers, because the propriety and safety of 

 employing stimulants is often uncertain, and because several of 



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