

ABSORBENT SYSTEM. 167 



Q. What are the usual causes of inflamed lymphatic 

 glands? 



Jl. The absorption of matter, and sympathetic impres- 

 sion. 



Q. Give instances of sympathetic affection of the glands. 



A. You see them in axillary or inguinal swelling pro- 

 ceeding from the prick of a thorn, a blister, or any other 

 irritant of that kind. 



Q. In what way are the lymphatic glands most fre- 

 quently inflamed ? 



*#. They take on inflammation in the progress of orga- 

 nic visceral disease; the glands partaking of the acute, 

 chronic, or specific action, which prevails in the viscus. In 

 mammary cancer the axillary glands are diseased; in 

 scirrhus stomach, or diseased liver, the mesenteric glands 

 are affected, and so forth. 



Q. How does an enlarged strumous lymphatic gland 

 differ from one enlarged by ordinary causes? 



Jl. In the strumous enlargement the structure of the 

 gland is at first affected; in those enlarged by ordinary 

 causes, it is secondarily involved. The scrofulous glands 

 have a whitish substance, which finally destroys the whole 

 gland. 



Of Absorption. 



Q. Why do you suppose the action of the absorbents 

 to depend on vital, and not on capillary power? 



Jl. Because fluids are received or rejected according to 

 their relation to the organic sensibility of the absorbents; 

 they have a peculiar organic sensibility. 



