SPASMODIC AFFECTIONS. 469 



that it depends upon a spasmodic constriction of a part of the 

 intestines ; and that this therefore is to be considered as the 

 proximate cause of the disease. In some of the dissections of 

 persons dead of this disease, an intus-susceptiori has been re- 

 marked to have happened ; but whether this be constantly the 

 case in all the appearances of ileus, is not certainly determined. 



MCCCCXL. The colic has commonly been considered as 

 being of different species, but I cannot follow the writers on 

 this subject in the distinctions they have established. So far, 

 however, as a difference of the remote cause constitutes a differ- 

 ence of species, a distinction may perhaps be admitted ; and 

 accordingly, in my Nosology, I have marked seven different 

 species ; but I am well persuaded, that in all these different 

 species the proximate cause is the same, that is, a spasmodic 

 constriction of a part of the intestines ; and, consequently, that 

 in all these cases the indication of cure is the same, that is, to 

 remove the constriction mentioned. Even in the several spe- 

 cies named Stercorea, Callosa, and Calculosa, in which the 

 disease depends upon an obstruction of the intestine, I am per- 

 suaded, that these obstructions do not produce the symptoms of 

 colic, excepting in so far as they produce spasmodic constric- 

 tions of the intestines ; and therefore that the means of cure in 

 these cases, so far as they admit of cure, must be obtained by 

 the same means which the general indication above-mentioned 

 suggests. 



MCCCCXLI. The cure, then, of the colic universally, is 

 to be obtained by removing the spasmodic constrictions of the 

 intestines ; and the remedies suited to this purpose may be re- 

 ferred to three general heads : 



1. The taking off the spasm by various antispasmodic powers. 



2. The exciting the action of the intestines by purgatives. 



3. The employing mechanical dilatation. 



MCCCCXLII. Before entering upon a more particular ac- 

 count of these remedies, it will be proper to observe, that in all 

 cases of violent colic, it is advisable to practise blood-letting ; 

 both as it may be useful in obviating the inflammation which is 

 commonly to be apprehended, and even as it may be a means of 

 relaxing the spasm of the intestine. This remedy may perhaps 

 be improper in persons of a weak and lax habit, but in all per- 



