MEMOIR XXVII.] THE EFFECTS OF ALLOTROPISM. 381 



good, and the urea and sulphuric acid are below the 

 standard. What is the interpretation of these remark- 

 able facts? We shall find they are very significant. 



The quantity of urea and sulphuric acid in the urine 

 undoubtedly expresses the quantity of proteine matter 

 that has undergone oxidation in the system. In all 

 cases where that quantity is above the normal standard, 

 the destruction of proteine matter has been correspond- 

 ingly accelerated ; and where it is deficient, the destruc- 

 tion has been reduced. The result of inflammations cor- 

 responds to the first of these cases, and of congestions to 

 the second. 



Recalling now what has been said respecting the cause 

 of the capillary circulation, we see how all these appar- 

 ently disconnected facts group themselves together in 

 the attitude of dependent effects. In inflammation there 

 has been that allotropic change in the soft solids in- 

 volved that they have assumed a disposition for rapid 

 oxidation they are active. Their relations with arterial 

 blood have become highly exalted ; and the blood flows, 

 on the principles I have set forth, to the affected part 

 with energy. Redness of that part and a higher temper- 

 ature are the result. Oxidation goes on with prompti- 

 tude, and urea and sulphuric acid begin to accumulate 

 in the urine. 



But in congestive cases it is the reverse ; the parts af- 

 fected are thrown into a more passive state. Oxidation 

 goes on in a reluctant way, the amount of tissue meta- 

 morphosed diminishes, the urea and sulphuric acid di- 

 minish in the urine ; and, on the principles which I have 

 endeavored to explain respecting the capillary circula- 

 tion, we perceive that an immediate action must be ex- 

 erted on the flow of the blood : the passive condition of 

 the tissues and diminished capacity for oxidation re- 

 strain the flow from the arteries, and, there being now 



