484 PRACTICE OF PHYSIC. 



the increased action of the intestines, as by an increased afflux 

 of fluids from other parts of the system. 



Thus, cold applied to the surface of the body, and suppress- 

 ing perspiration, may determine a greater quantity of fluids to 

 the intestines. 



Thus in the ischuria renalis, the urine taken into the blood- 

 vessels is sometimes determined to pass off again by the intes- 

 tines. 



In like manner, pus or serum may be absorbed from the cav- 

 ities in which they have been stagnant, and be again poured 

 out into the intestines, as frequently happens, in particular with 

 respect to the water of dropsies. 



MCCCCLXXXIV. It is to be observed here, that a diarr- 

 hcea may be excited not only by a copious afflux of fluids from 

 other parts of the system, but likewise by the mere determin- 

 ation of various acrid matters from the mass of blood into the 

 cavity of the intestines. Thus it is supposed, that the morbific 

 matter of fevers is sometimes thrown out into the cavity of the 

 intestines, and gives a critical diarrhoea ; and whether I do or do 

 not admit the doctrine of critical evacuations, I think it is pro- 

 bable that the morbific matter of the exanthemata is frequently 

 thrown upon the intestines, and occasions diarrhoea. 



MCCCCLXXXV. It is to me further probable, that the 

 putrescent matter diffused over the mass of blood in putrid dis- 

 eases, is frequently poured out by the exhalents into the intes- 

 tines, and proves there the cause, at least in part, of the diarr- 

 hoea so commonly attending these diseases. 



MCCCCLXXXVI. Upon this subject of the matters 

 poured into the cavity of the intestines, I have chiefly consider- 

 ed them as poured out in unusual quantity ; but it is probable 

 that, for the most part, they are also changed in their quality, 

 and become of a more acrid and stimulant nature, upon which 

 account especially it is that they excite, or at least increase a 

 diarrhoea. 



MCCCCLXXXVII. How far, and in what manner, the ex- 

 halent fluid may be changed in its nature and quality, we do 

 not certainly know ; but with respect to the fluid from the mu- 

 cous excretories, we know, that, when poured out in unusual 

 quantity, it is commonly, at the same time, in a more liquid 



