DISEASES OF THE BLOOD. Ill 



mucous membranes, together with extensive haemorrhagic 

 infiltrations ; also sero-sanguineous accumulations in 

 areolar spaces. The disease generally assumes a sub- 

 acute character, and after about a week terminates in 

 gradual recovery of strength, or more frequently in 

 sinking of the patient, and death from asthenia. 



Treatment consists in careful attention to hygiene, supply 

 of nutritious and easily digestible food, the use of elimi- 

 natives and stimulants. Oil of turpentine is recommended 

 since it acts on the kidneys, is a stimulant and also 

 a haemostatic. The tincture of perchloride of iron promotes 

 the formation of red corpuscles, and also acts as a styptic. 

 Sulphuric acid, as a styptic and tonic, is also used with 

 benefit. The disease is rather liable to recur, and the 

 stage of convalescence is prolonged. 



Diabetes insipidus sometimes arises from excessive 

 introduction of water into the blood, but as it occurs more 

 frequently from other causes will be treated hereafter. 



Diabetes mellitus has not been proved to affect the ox. 



y. Introduction into the blood of matters foreign to it. 



(1) Ordinary toxic agents. 



Here ought to be considered those cases of ordinary 

 poisoning which result from the entry of matters into the 

 blood, which either act on the blood itself or upon 

 parts distant from the point of entry, and thus cause 

 serious inconvenience and even death. Such poisons, 

 however, must be considered in relation with others 

 which have a local action, and therefore will be examined 

 hereafter. 



(2) Specific toxic agents. 



Section 2. 



These give rise to specific diseases, under which 

 heading may be comprised all disorders which manifest 

 characters of a highly special kind, whether in their 

 course, cause, or termination. This definition, like most 

 others, does not enable us to accurately limit the thing 



