212 MICROBES AND HEALTH. 



irregularly thickened, the capsule or membrane cover- 

 ing the joint, and the ligaments which support it, may 

 become fibrous and contract. The prolonged irritation 

 has here caused a slow form of inflammation, and the 

 same changes take place as elsewhere. There is an in- 

 crease in the connective tissue framework; later tin's 

 contracts, deforms the joint and limits mobility. The 

 contracting fibers cause pressure, aiding in the destruc- 

 tion of cartilage, ligaments and other normal tissues. 

 Sometimes during these degenerative changes the liga- 

 ment which supports the joint softens, allowing certain 

 muscles which are attached near the joint to contract, 

 thus causing deformity. Sometimes the tendons and 

 ligaments about the joint become filled with lime salts, 

 of which bone is formed. This results in a stiff joint. 

 Pus does not form. 



The best treatment for chronic rheumatism is hot 

 air. A temperature from three hundred to five hun- 

 dred degrees may be applied. Hot air dilates the small 

 vessels, brings the blood to the surface where it is ap- 

 plied, and thus relieves the congestion or inflammation 

 beneath. It causes the blood to flow through the part. 

 This relieves the pressure and stops the pain, adhesions 

 and accumulations are broken down and removed, thus 

 preventing stiff joints. There is active discharge 

 through the skin, and this removal of waste relieves the 

 irritated nerves. The improvement in the circulation 

 stimulates natural activity, nutrition is increased, the 

 heart is strengthened, a clouded brain is relieved, the 

 torpidity is overcome. 



