84 INFLAMMATION. 



the several pieces of the joint together : then it is converted 

 into true bone, and the bones are fixed for ever, or anchy- 

 loses has been perfected. 



Other Structures have their peculiarities. — Cellular 

 membrane is prone to suppuration : though this is usually- 

 preceded by the deposition of serous fluid or coagulable 

 lymph, as a preparation or nidus for the pus. It occasionally 

 happens, however, that this tendency to serous eff'usion 

 becomes predominant, and we have an al^scess containing 

 serum, instead of one enclosing purulent matter. The cel- 

 lular membrane is also the common seat of gangrene or 

 mortification. The skin under inflammation will exude a 

 serous fluid underneath the cuticle, as is seen after the ap- 

 plication of a blister. When violently inflamed, the skin, 

 denuded of its cuticular covering, will secrete pus, and even 

 throw out coagulable lymph. 



Glandular Bodies become variously affected by In- 

 flammation, depending on its kind, degree, and duration. 

 A low degree of inflammatory action augments the natural 

 secretion : but a high degree puts an entire stop to it, and 

 will, unless subdued, run on to its destruction. Continued 

 chronic inflammation in a gland, alters either the quantity 

 or quality of the natural secretion, likewise gradually altering 

 its internal structure ; plugging its cellular interstices with 

 solid matter, and producing such total transformation of its 

 interior as denotes scirrhus. 



The State of the Constitution will influence the ten- 

 dency of inflammation. In horses which have long been 

 in an unhealthy condition, a swelled leg may run on to 

 farcy ; a catarrh, strangles, or an influenza, may be followed 

 by glanders. In other cases, such unfortunate sequels will 

 supervene without any discoverable cause. My father had 



a blood colt sent him by Mr. L , to be castrated. The 



colt was low in condition at the time : but not to appearance 

 unhealthy. The operation was performed by cauterization, 

 in the usual manner : the after-swelling consequent on it was 

 confined to the scrotum. All went on well until the eighth 

 day, when some small lumps made their appearance on the 



