450 THE LAWS OF ORGANIC 



cold or any internal derangement, have their 

 natural action disordered,~the consequence of 

 which is, that an unhealthy secretion is poured 

 out, and probably in greater quantity than is 

 compatible with the well-being of the lungs. 

 This secretion, in the course of its progress, will 

 tend more or less to destroy the permeability of 

 the air-cells in the vicinity of the disease, and 

 will materially contribute to form the various 

 kinds of engorgement particularly described by 

 ANDRAL and LZENNEC. 



DXLIX. If this pathological view be allowed 

 to be correct, or if chronic inflammation be sup- 

 posed to constitute the disease, in considering 

 the effects, without in the least ascending to the 

 primary cause, our practice in endeavouring to 

 remove the affection will be directed by the 

 knowledge we possess of the nature of those con- 

 sequences induced by chronic inflammation. It 

 will teach us, that those means which improve the 

 follicular secretions will the most speedily restore 

 the healthy function of the lungs. As the effect 

 of nausea is to furnish blood of an inferior qua- 

 lity to the thoracic organs, or rather to engorge 

 than to free them from a partial or general con- 

 gestion, it is probable that it would not facili- 

 tate, if it did not retard, the object that we have 

 in view. Vomiting appears well calculated to 

 benefit the patient. The improved condition of 

 the blood, and its more equal diffusion, are cir- 



