THE BIOLOGY OF DAILY LIFE. 59 



But we must return to our Dictionary of Medicine. 



lt LEUCOCYTHAEMIA (A*, white, KVTOS, a cell, 

 and m/ua, blood.) 



" DEFINITION. A chronic disease, in which 

 there is a considerable and permanent increase 

 in the number of the pale blood corpuscles, 

 usually associated with enlargement of the 

 spleen, sometimes also with that of the 



the following argument more as an example of keeping the 

 several lines of physics, chemistry, and biology distinct (like the 

 vertical columns in an addition sum), and "carrying" from one 

 to the other without confusion (as in the calc-spar fallacy, 

 described at p. 72), than for its intrinsic value. 



1. Physically. The microscopic appearance of striped and un- 

 striped muscles resembles aggregates, or rather agminations 

 (ranked arrangements) of red corpuscles. (See per Microp. and 

 Figures in Quain's " Anatomy," pp. 65-128.) 



2. Chemically. The ultimate composition of flesh (dried) and 

 blood (dried) is identical. Flesh is simply solidified blood. 

 (See analysis of dried ox-blood and beef, in Quain's "Anatomy," 

 p. 33.) 



3. Biologically. The tendency of the red corpuscles to ag- 

 minate or form rolls (like coins in a pile) is most likely biological, 

 and not merely physical (as suggested in Quain, &c.) In a drop 

 of blood drawn from a perfectly healthy person of calm temper, 

 the tendency to " pile" is not very marked, but if one has been 

 even mentally " put out," or is from any cause in a slightly 

 feverish state, then the roll-making tendency is both marked and 

 prompt. May not this be an anticipation or hastening of a 

 natural (vital) process, and be received as a hint from Nature 

 as to her mode of supplying muscular tissue ? 



4. Physiologically. The connection between muscular action 

 and increased blood supply being so immediate and prompt, also 

 the directly accelerated respiratory as well as cardaic action, may 

 possibly be taken as indicative of a peculiarly close connection 

 between the muscle and the /car' ft-o\r)v respiratory element of the 

 blood. 



