GENERAL, CONTAGIOUS, AND ENZOOTIC DISEASES. 



265 



RHEUMATISM. 



Definition. — Rheumatism is an inflammauion of tne fiorous structures 

 of the slieaths, joints, tendons, ligaments or muscles, or of the heart and 

 closed cavities, of a peculiar shifting type. It may be chronic or it may 

 be acute. The acute attack is usually accompanied by febrile symptoms. 



Viewed in its more general aspect, as distinguished from the course of 

 any particular attack, this disease may be said to be a result of a low or 

 impaired state of vitality. 



The chief peculiarities of the disease are the suddenness of its attacks 

 and a very remarkable tendency to shift from one part to another. 



Fig. 133. 

 Knee-joint in health. 



Fig. 134. 

 Knee-joint after chronic rheumatism. 



Structures which have been once affected are very liable to recur- 

 rence of the disease, and after a time it may become chronic in such 

 parts. But though it may be chronic, variations in degree will be felt 

 from time to time according to weather, health, and other changing cir- 

 cumstances. 



Etiology. — Rheumatism is often caused by neglect. It is very 

 readily brought on by exposure to wet and cold, by insufficient diet, by 



