46 DISEASE. 



following the latter, identical textures are dissevered. In 

 factj there appears to be only a choice of evils ; and I shall 

 endeavour to select the least. 



TRANSLATION AND PROBABLE TERMINATION OF DISEASE. 



Metastasis means the shifting of disease from one part or 

 place to another. This is a circumstance which may arise 

 either from the supervention of overpowering disease in a fresh 

 part, or in consequence of its arrest or subsidence in the 

 one primarily affected ; it being a law in the animal eco- 

 nomy, that no two great or paramount actions can ga on 

 at the same time in one system. A most remarkable in- 

 stance we have of metastasis, mfevey^ in the feet superven- 

 ing on inflammation of the lungs. The sudden arrest of an 

 habitual frush is apt to induce lameness by causing actual 

 inflammation in the foot. In some cases, metastases are 

 explicable through the acknowledged sympathetic relations 

 existing in the system. In the instance of the suppressed 

 frush, the congestion is what ought to be expected. In 

 specific ophthalmia, the eyes are affected alternately in con- 

 sequence of their sympathy. In the case of the inflamma- 

 tion in the lungs involving the feet, however, these explana- 

 tions are not applicable. 



Prognosis, a Greek word literally ^i^niiym^ foreknowledge, 

 is the term we apply to an opinion given concerning the 

 probable termination of disease. Accurate observation will 

 so far mature our judgment as to enable us to offer a 

 prognosis ; perhaps not altogether unincumbered with doubt, 

 yet of a nature sufficiently satisfactory. In some instances 

 we assure the owner ^^ that nothing can save our patient -" 

 in others, that " from present appearances there is no reason 

 to doubt the ultimate restoration.^^ The word " present/^ 

 as it stands above, is properly introduced into the prognoses 

 of medical men ; the fluctuations of disease often being such 

 as to astonish even physicians. 



