AND ANIMAL LIFE. 445 



kind. But, whether we regard the vessels in a 

 state of augmented action or of congestion, we 

 may assert, with truth, that these possess a more 

 than ordinary quantity of blood. Either of these 

 states of inflammation being supposed, emetics, 

 when carried to their fullest extent, will distri- 

 bute the blood more universally, from this being 

 of a more stimulating kind, combined with the 

 muscular exertions of the body ; and, if distant 

 and superficial vessels receive a greater quantity 

 from these causes, those vessels that previously 

 received too much will be deprived of a portion 

 of their superabundance. It is in this manner 

 that rubefacients are supposed to act ; and if 

 means which are applied externally, in the vici- 

 nity of an affected part, disburthen overloaded 

 vessels, or modify their action, it is certainly al- 

 lowable to suppose that other means, which 

 operate in a similar manner, but to a much 

 greater degree, ought to be followed by similar 

 results. 



DXLIII. The function of digestion is not un- 

 usually accelerated by emetics ; but as it would 

 occupy a great deal of time to develope the views 

 connected with the origin and influence of its 

 derangement, and, still further, to do ample jus- 

 tice to the principles by which we should be 

 guided in its treatment, I shall refrain from mak- 

 ing any observations at present on this import- 

 ant subject. 



