18 THE LAWS OF ORGANIC 



strength of pulse, forcible contraction of the 

 heart, more equable distribution of blood, and 

 an augmentation of temperature. 



XXVI. The heart having its action increased 

 by the improved qualities of the blood, commu- 

 nicates this condition to every part of its sys- 

 tem ; the capillary vessels and the veins almost 

 instantaneously participate in it ; and if muscu- 

 lar exertion be conjoined with this, the return 

 of the blood is as much facilitated by these 

 means, as its transmission is by the heart. The 

 extremities and the surface of the body receiv- 

 ing more of this fluid, as is evident from sensa- 

 tion and external appearances, the abdominal 

 and thoracic viscera must possess less, and 

 therefore the quantity of blood circulating in 

 the lungs is not so great as in the sluggish 

 state of the body, consequently it will be bet- 

 ter oxygenated. The explanation of these 

 phenomena enables us to account for others 

 that have hitherto been considered the most 

 mysterious of the system, such as the presence 

 or absence of the buffy or inflammatory coat 

 in diseases, and in moderate or excessive ex- 

 ercise. If a local disease becomes highly pain- 

 ful, or irritates the neighbouring parts, the cir- 

 culation is disturbed, and the heart and lungs 

 are quickly implicated in the disorder, and 

 they soon establish, throughout the system, the 

 various symptoms of fever, in intensity or 



