THE BLOOD. 91 



Increase in the Number of the Red Corpuscles. Plethora. 



An increase in the number of the red corpuscles of the 

 blood exists in that condition of the system which has been 

 denominated the plethoric, and which increase constitutes its 

 chief element. The authors already cited found the mean 

 proportion of the red globules in the thirty-one cases in 

 which the blood was submitted to examination, to be in 

 every thousand parts 141 ; the minimum 131, and the 

 maximum 154. With this increase in the number of the 

 red corpuscles, it was not found that any other element of 

 the blood had become either augmented or diminished. 



The symptoms which indicate the existence of plethora, 

 whether they be organic, or functional and mental, all admit 

 of a ready and satisfactory explanation by a reference to the 

 increased quantity of the red corpuscles. 



The existence of a state of plethora implies high vital 

 powers ; there seems to be in the plethoric, as it were a super- 

 abundance of life, and which is imparted to all the parts and 

 organs of the system alike. The plethoric diathesis would 

 appear to be more frequently hereditary than acquired, and 

 no degree of high and nutritious feeding will induce it in 

 the system of some persons, although an opposite or anemic 

 state may be produced in all by the abstraction of a proper 

 quantity of suitable nourishment. 



The general symptoms which characterise the plethoric 

 diathesis, are a well-developed muscular system, voluminous 

 thorax, a deep-coloured skin, and a ruddy complexion ; coin- 

 ciding with these physical and outward appearances, we find 

 much functional activity to exist, the respiration is free and 

 unembarrassed, the digestion quick and active, the pulse is 

 full and strong, and the motions of the body are performed 

 with celerity and power. This functional activity appertains 

 also to the operations and emotions of the mind ; the plethoric 

 is quick in thought, hasty and violent in temper. 



The injected skin, and the brilliant complexion, are to be 

 explained by reference to the increased quantity of the red 

 corpuscles which circulate in the blood, and which alone arc 



