902 ERRORS OF LIEBIG. 



have neglected to ascertain the difference between 

 the temperature and chemical composition of ar- 

 terial and venous blood ; for this very difference 

 constitutes the key to a right knowledge of ani- 

 mal physiology.* Had this celebrated chemist 

 given us more analyses, and fewer hypotheses, he 

 would have avoided many grave and fundamental 

 errors, which now essentially detract from the 

 value of his work. His explanation of the decom- 

 position or waste of the solids, affords a curious 

 example of the manner in which the greatest 

 strength must fail when embarked in a wrong 

 path at the outset. 



In accordance with the foregoing hypothesis, 



* The consequence of this neglect has been, that his theory of 

 fever is more absurd, if possible, than any before offered. For ex- 

 ample, he says, that " if in consequence of a diseased transforma- 

 tion of living tissues, a greater amount of force is generated than 

 is required for the production of the normal motions, it is seen in 

 an acceleration of all or some of the involuntary motions, as well 

 as in a higher temperature of the diseased part. This condition is 

 called fever." Again he observes, that " as the motions of the 

 circulating system of the intestines increase, the power of pro- 

 ducing mechanical effects in the limbs must diminish in the same 

 proportion, as in wasting fevers," (pp. 229, 256.) But I have 

 shown that the preternatural temperature of fever and inflamma- 

 tion is always owing to a derangement of the blood, which is no 

 longer in a state to unite with the solids as during health ; so 

 that the caloric which is usually transferred to the solids, is given 

 out in the free state, that the increased action of the heart is 

 owing to the preternatural temperature of the blood, and that 

 the vital energy of the whole body is diminished, owing to a 

 failure of the nutritive process. 



