684 THEORY OF FEVER. 



fever, which depends essentially on a diminution and 

 derangement of the formative process, as shown by 

 the rapid emaciation that takes place during its 

 progress, and which always terminates on the resto- 

 ration of secretion and nutrition. 



The truth is, that all constitutional diseases are 

 owing to some alteration of the blood, and de- 

 rangement of its vital properties, which are im- 

 paired by whatever seriously diminishes the 

 functions of respiration, secretion, and nutrition. 

 If the capillaries of the lungs be paralyzed by the 

 inspiration of cold air, less carbon and hydrogen 

 than usual are given off, less animal heat evolved, 

 the temperature of the blood is reduced, its due 

 arterialization prevented, its healthy properties so 

 far deranged,, as to diminish its power of uniting 

 with the solids, and of maintaining the various 

 secretions. The consequence of which is, a con- 

 gestion of blood in the lungs ; and if the latter 

 state remain for any length of time, there is a 

 stagnation throughout the systemic capillaries, so 

 long as the chill continues. During this state, 



the atmosphere is kept at a moderate temperature, even during 

 summer. But when the atmosphere is saturated with vapour, and 

 its circulation ceases, as during the calm that precedes a thunder 

 storm, the earth becomes feverish, (from an accumulation of ca- 

 loric, which is no longer carried off in the combined state,) and 

 oppressively sultry over large sandy plains, where there is no 

 water. Besides, a large proportion of caloric is employed in the 

 operations of universal chemistry, and the growth of vegetation, 

 without which it would accumulate in the atmosphere in the free 

 state, and render it oppressively warm. 



