INFLAMMATIONS. 99 



are spasmodically contracted. When muscles are fixed in a 

 contracted state, by remaining long in that position, they are 

 pained by the tenth part of the extension which they formerly 

 admitted. All this is illustrated by the cases of corns, old 

 eschars, and former fractures, which are pained by the same 

 causes which affect the parts in chronic rheumatism. The sum 

 then is, that the pain of chronic rheumatism depends upon the 

 fibres and vessels being in a contracted state." 



CCCCLXXIII. Upon this view of the proximate cause, the 

 general indication of cure must be to restore the activity and 

 vigour of the vital principle in the part ; and the remedies for 

 this disease, which experience has approved of, are chiefly such 

 as are manifestly suited to the indication proposed. 



" We abstract here from all those cases of chronic rheuma- 

 tism, in particular those of the morbus coxarius, which have 

 matter lodged in or about the joint, whether originally or secon- 

 darily ; and speak only of the remedies of genuine rheumatism, 

 as we have before explained ; and it will be obvious, that most 

 of the remedies we are to mention, can have no affect, or may 

 be very hurtful in the case of matter effused." 



CCCCLXXIV. These remedies are either external or in- 

 ternal. 



The external are, 



The supporting the heat of the part, by keeping it constantly 

 covered with flannel. 



The increasing the heat of the part by external heat, applied 

 either in a dry or in a humid form. 



The diligent use of the flesh-brush, or other means of fric- 

 tion. " The powers of friction in promoting the motion of the 

 blood, and removing the obstruction, are well understood ; and 

 it is probable, that by oscillations promoted in the muscular 

 fibres, they may be rendered more flexible and fitter to admit 

 the action of the animal power : therefore well suited in both 

 ways to take off the contraction in chronic rheumatism." 



The application of electricity in sparks or shocks. " The 

 power of electricity in agitating the nervous system is well 

 known : therefore its cure of palsy. The chronic rheumatism 

 approaches very nearly to the state of palsy. It is evident, 



