1^1 



forming, relative to the causes of such an 

 extreme diversity of local affections, either 

 of an mtlammatory or other character. If 

 actions can be peculiar and specific, if the 

 eifect of them can be that of producing 

 various forms of disease, and qualities of 

 secretions, when such actions are excited 

 by peculiar stimuli ; is it not probable that 

 the actions which occur in parts, the 

 feelings and functions of which are dis- 

 ordered, may spontaneously assume a pecu- 

 liar character, and thus give rise to the 

 diversity of diseases ? We have, as I shall 

 afterwards shew you, in some cases positive 

 evidence in proof of this proposition. 



Now when the terms specific and pecu- 

 liar actions were employed by Mr. Hunter, 

 to designate facts which have not, and as 

 I believe cannot be otherwise expressed, 

 persons, who seem to me to employ their 

 minds rather in ]jreventing than in pro- 



