THE LAWS OF LIFE. 243 



category. Two things are evident in it: first, an 

 abnormal activity of the chemical or decomposing 

 processes ; and, secondly, an increased vital action 

 consequent thereupon. 



Into these two groups the events which constitute 

 inflammation plainly resolve themselves. Its causes 

 are ever such as either directly carry decomposition 

 to an excess, or have practically the same effect by 

 arresting vital action. Its tendency is primarily to 

 disintegration, or the death of parts. It is in its 

 beginning an increased chemical or anti-vital 

 change. 



In this derangement of the actions which constitute 

 life consists that unseen change which precedes and 

 causes the various physical and mechanical pheno- 

 mena which observation recognizes or the microscope 

 reveals. And closely following this accelerated 

 decomposition, comes, by the law of life, that in- 

 creased vital action upon which a prevalent idea of 

 inflammation has been based. 



Thus the conception of chemical and vital action 

 as constituting a vibration is found to unfold parti- 

 cular phenomena of life. But it does more than 



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