1090 RATIONALE OF SYMPATHY. 



that the animal heat, which in its natural state 

 is employed in combining it with the solids, and 

 in maintaining the various secretions, is given 

 out in the free state, causing more or less fever, 

 prostration of strength, head-ache, delirium, and 

 a diseased condition of the whole body. 



Again ; as respiration is partly a voluntary 

 process, it is diminished by concussion of the 

 brain, or violent emotions of grief and other 

 depressing passions. The consequence of which 

 is, that the chemical function of the lungs, the 

 supply of animal heat, sanguification, secretion, 

 and nutrition, are greatly diminished. Owing to 

 the weakened state of the brain, the circulation 

 through it is impeded ; and as it is no longer 

 supplied with good arterial blood, stupor, syncope, 

 or symptoms of apoplexy follow. When the in- 



coagulate; and then very imperfectly, when it presented the 

 same appearances as in cases of typhus and other malignant 

 fevers. The truth is, that local inflammation of the brain, 

 stomach, bowels, or of any important organ, whether produced 

 by cold, mechanical violence, or the chemical agency of some 

 poison, is attended with more or less obstruction in the affected 

 part, by which a large amount of blood is prevented from passing 

 through the lungs ; the consequence of which is, that its nutritive 

 properties are impaired, the secretions deranged, and general 

 fever induced, except when the reaction is not sufficient to produce 

 that state, as when the constitution is in a very feeble condition, 

 and respiration greatly diminished. I have also shewn that, after 

 a certain time, the coagulating power of the blood is more or less 

 impaired in all cases of local congestion, inflammation, general 

 fever, and, in fact, every form of disease. (See Book IV. Chap, 

 iv. p. 655.) 



