INFLAMMATIONS. 21 



the cases of pure phlegmasiae. Accordingly, I have set them 

 down here as a means of taking off the obstruction and spasm in 

 the case of inflammation.'' 1 



CCLXVIII. When a tendency to suppuration (CCLI.) is 

 distinctly perceived, as we suppose it to depend upon the effu- 

 sion of a fluid which cannot be easily reabsorbed, so it becomes 

 necessary that this fluid be converted into pus, as the only na- 

 tural means of obtaining its evacuation : and as the effusion is, 

 perhaps, seldom made without some rupture of the vessels, to 

 the healing of which a pus is absolutely necessary ; so, in the 

 case of a tendency to suppuration, the indication of cure al- 

 ways is, to promote the production of a perfect pus as quickly 

 as possible. 



CCLXIX. For this purpose, various remedies supposed to 

 possess a specific power, have been proposed ; but I can perceive 

 no such power in any of them ; and, in my opinion, all that 

 can be done is, to favour the suppuration by such applications 

 as may support a proper heat in the part, as, by some tenacity, 

 may confine the perspiration of the part, and as, by an emol- 

 lient quality, may weaken the cohesion of the teguments, and 

 favour their erosion. 



CCLXX. As, in the case of certain effusions, a suppuration 

 is not only unavoidable, but desirable, it may be supposed, that 

 most of the means of resolution formerly mentioned should be 

 avoided ; and accordingly our practice is commonly so directed. 

 But, as we observe, on the one hand, that a certain degree of 

 increased impetus, or of the original circumstances of inflamma- 

 tion, is requisite to produce a proper suppuration ; so it is then 

 especially necessary to avoid those means of resolution that may 

 diminish too much the force of the circulation. And as, on the 

 other hand, the impetus of the blood, when violent, is found to 

 prevent the proper suppuration ; so, in such cases, although a 

 tendency to suppuration may have begun, it may be proper to 

 continue those means of resolution which moderate the force of 

 the circulation. 



With respect to the opening of abscesses, when completely 

 formed, I refer to the writings on surgery. 



CCLXX I. When an inflammation has taken a tendency to 

 gangrene, that event is to be prevented by every possible means ; 





