216 PRACTICE OF PHYSIC. 



that it is accordingly to be generally encouraged, sometimes 

 solicited, and is not to be suppressed, unless when it goes to 

 great excess, or happens in parts in which it may be dangerous. 



DCCLXXVIII. Much of this doctrine may be admitted. 

 The human body, upon many occasions, becomes preternatu- 

 rally plethoric ; and the dangerous consequences which might 

 from thence be apprehended, seem to be obviated by an haemorr- 

 hagy taking place ; and further, the necessity of haemorrhagy 

 often appears from hence, that the suppression of it seems to oc- 

 casion many disorders. 



- All this seems to be just ; but, in the conclusion drawn from 

 it, there is a fallacy. 



DCCLXXIX. It appears to me certain, that hoemorrhagy, 

 either upon its first attack, or upon its after recurrence, is never 

 necessary to the health of the body, excepting upon the suppo- 

 sition, that the plethoric state which seems to require the evacua- 

 tion, cannot be otherwise prevented or removed ; and as I imagine 

 it possible by other means to prevent or remove a plethoric state, 

 so I do not think that haemorrhagy is, in all cases, necessary. 

 In general, I am of opinion, that haemorrhagy is to be avoided. 



1. Because it does not always happen in parts where it is safe. 



2. Because often, while it does relieve a plethoric state, it 

 may, at the same time, induce a very dangerous disease. 



3. Because it may often go to excess, and either endanger life, 

 or induce a dangerous infirmity. 



And, lastly, Because it has a tendency to increase the ple- 

 thoric state it was meant to relieve ; to occasion its own recur- 

 rence (DCCXXI.) ; and thereby to induce a habit, which, if 

 left to the precarious and unequal operation of nature, may, 

 from the frequent errors of this, be attended with much danger. 



DCCLXXX. It is further to be considered, that haemorr- 

 hagies do not always arise from necessities of the system, but 

 often proceed from incidental causes. It appears to me, that 

 all haemorrhagies of the latter kind may be immediately sup- 

 pressed, and the repetition of them, as it induces a plethora, 

 and a habit not otherwise necessary, may be prevented with 

 great advantage. 



" The Stahlians have gone to excess in rendering that a uni- 

 versal rule which is in fact only limited. The necessity of 



