AND ANIMAL LIFE. 447 



the mere rejection of crude matters from the sto- 

 mach. By the operation of such agents, the 

 quality and circulation of the blood undergo mate- 

 rial changes, the consequence of which is, that 

 digestion is improved from the better secretion 

 of gastric juice, and at the same time, and from 

 the influence of the same changes, the functions 

 of the rest of the abdominal organs are propor- 

 tionally benefited. 



DXLV. I have already stated, that the pre- 

 sent classification cannot be considered correct in 

 all its parts. As our knowledge of the manner in 

 which the exciting causes of diseases affect the 

 system is rendered more exact, we shall be en- 

 enabled to speak with more confidence of the 

 general and particular effects of emetics. The 

 greater part of the treatment in phthisis, whether 

 local or general, promotes an equable distribution 

 of the blood. The warm bath, exercise, blisters, 

 and stimulants, are evidently to be referred in their 

 operation to the principle of altered circulation. 

 Both the stages of emetic effects have an ac- 

 knowledged control over the course of the 

 blood ; but unless we possess clear and accurate 

 ideas concerning the pathology of consumption, 

 it will be impossible to apply either of these 

 stages or general divisions of emetics to the relief 

 or cure of the symptoms. 



DXLVI. It is, perhaps, of little moment to 

 our mode of treatment, whether we suppose the 

 tubercles or degenerations of the lungs to be the 



