5^ THE NATURE AND TREATMENT OP 



the lungs is constantly mingled with purulent and other 

 matters. 



" (D) Of the Gases of the Mucous Surfaces or Internal 

 Tegumentary Tissues. 



"Although we are assured of the existence of gaseous col- 

 lections in all organs lined with mucous membrane, such as the 

 Eustachian pouches, the lung, the alimentary canal, the uterus, 

 and the bladder, it is more particularly within the lungs and 

 alimentary canal that they are frequently observed. We give 

 the name of pulmonary emphysema to the collection of air 

 within the lung; to that within the alimentary canal the name 

 of abdominal pneumatosis or tympanitis. As for the Eustachian 

 pouches, it is the same with them as with the air-cells, it being 

 only when their orifices are obstructed through some morbid con- 

 dition that gaseous fluids remain in them. We' then find them 

 mingled with muco-purulent matter, furnished by the lining 

 of the reservoir, and commonly collected within the reservoir. 



" In the normal state, the stomach and intestines contain va- 

 riable quantities of aeriform fluids ; and it is their accumulation 

 in any considerable quantity that constitutes the flatulent ot 

 pneumatose condition. 



" Gases spring from various sources. Some are the product 

 of an exhalation going on from the free surface of the lining 

 membrane ; others are introduced through deglutition along 

 with the food, to which they in a manner adhere ; and there are 

 some which are even contained in the alimentary matters, and 

 which become disengaged during the process of digestion. 



" The fact of the exhalation of gas from the internal surface 

 of the intestine has been placed beyond doubt by experimenta- 

 tion. Messrs. Majendie and Girardin, having caused a portion 

 of the intestinal canal of an animal to protrude from its abdo- 

 mSn, containing nothing, and secured it with ligature before 

 and behind, they have found shortly afterwards the imprisoned 

 portion of gut filled with gas ; and all the while the mucous 

 lining perfectly healthy. Bernard Gaspard, who has made the 



