54 THE BIOLOGY OF DAILY LIFE. 



as associated with polyhaemia in plethora. 

 In the earlier stage of cholera the red cor- 

 puscles are relatively in excess." 



tl (b.) Oligocythaemia. Diminution in number 

 of red corpuscles is, on the contrary, of very 

 frequent occurrence, and of the greatest patho- 

 logical importance. 



" The principal circumstances under which 

 oligo-cythaemia occurs are (1) in anaemia, or 

 diminution of the amount of blood as a whole 

 from any cause, whether rapid or protracted, 

 especially as the result of fever; the red 

 corpuscles suffering early, seriously, and per- 

 sistently, as compared with the other 

 constituents ; (2) in leucocythaemia [i.e., 

 redundance of white corpuscles] the develop- 

 ment of the red corpuscle being interrupted ; * 



* Is it any wonder that, like Banyan's pilgrims, one is always 

 saying, What meaneth this ? and alas, not getting as clear 

 answers in the House of our medical INTERPRETEES. If a red 

 corpuscle originates in the leucocytes, of which we have been told 

 in this article " there can be no reasonable doubt," why should 

 its development be interrupted by the mere fact of its parent's 

 presence? Can it be that the due regard to her age, which 

 makes a fashionable beauty keep her children from " coming 

 out" and circulating in her stream of society, is a deep law of 

 Nature, and runs in our blood ? But see how nobly the red 

 corpuscle shines out in sharing our bodily fortune. " Suffering 

 early, seriously, and persistently," in our sickness. Like a true 

 friend 



Thus of every grief in heart, 



He with thee doth bear a part ; 



These are certain signs to know, 



Faithful friend from flattering foe. 



Yes, our blood is our life, and the red corpuscle its most vital 

 constituent. 



