118 



now to proceed. Previously, however, to our 

 advancing, allow me to enquire, who first ex- 

 plained in a physiological and satisfactory- 

 manner the diseased processes I have referred 

 to, the formation of abscesses ; the secretion 

 of pus ; the intersticial and other growths ; 

 the causes and circumstances of mortifica- 

 tion ? Was it not Mr. Hunter ? We now 

 hear no more of those ancient metaphors 

 concoction and erosion, but we find all the 

 morbid changes accounted for by the per- 

 verted action of the ordinary powers and 

 structures of parts ; clearly perceiving that 

 the same powers and organisation, which 

 by their natural and common actions pro- 

 duce health and beauty of appearance, do, 

 when perverted, occasion disease and de- 

 formity. 



Again, too, when we survey the infi- 

 nite diversity of local diseases, how can 

 we express ourselves, but in the language 



