FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF DISEASE. 85 
bles which, to the less experienced observer, appear to be absolutely 
identical. 
Termination of inflammation.—Like congestion, inflammation may 
terminate by resolution. In this case the exuded lymph undergoes 
chemical change, and the products are absorbed and carried off by 
the blood vessels and lymphatics, to be thrown out of the body by the 
kidneys, liver, the glands of the skin, and the other excretory organs. 
The cells, which have wandered into the neighboring tissues from the 
blood vessels, gradually disappear or become transformed into fixed 
cells. Those which are the result of the tissue cells, wakened into 
active life, follow the same course. The vessels themselves contract, 
and, having resumed their normal caliber, the part apparently reas- 
sumes its normal condition; but it is always weakened, and a new 
inflammation is more liable to reappear in a previously inflamed part 
than ina sound one. The alternate termination is necrosis, or morti- 
fication. If the necrosis, or death of a part, is gradual, by small 
stages, each cell losing its vitality after the other in more or less 
rapid, succession, it takes the name of ulceration. If it occurs in a 
considerable part at once, it is called gangrene. If this death of the 
tissues occurs deep in the organism, and the destroyed elements and 
proliferated and dead cells are inclosed in a cavity, the result of the 
process is called an abscess. When it occurs on a surface, it is an 
ulcer, and an abscess by breaking on the exterior becomes then also 
an ulcer. Proliferating and dying cells, and the fluid which exudes 
from an ulcerating surface and the débris of broken-down tissue is 
known as pus, and the process by which this is formed is known as 
suppuration. A mass of dead tissue in a soft part is termed a slough, 
while the same in bone is called a sequestrum. Such changes are 
especially liable to occur when the part becomes infected with micro- 
organisms that have the property of destroying tissue and thus caus- 
ing the production of pus. These are known as pyogenic micro- 
organisms. There are also bacilli that are capable of multiplying in 
tissues and so irritating them as to cause them to die (necrose) with- 
out forming pus. 
Treatment of inflammation.—The study of the causes and patho- 
logical alterations of inflammation has shown the process to be one 
of hypernutrition, attended by excessive blood supply, so this study 
will indicate the primary factor to be employed in the treatment 
of it. Any agent which will reduce the blood supply and prevent 
the excessive nutrition of the elements of the part will serve as a 
remedy. ‘che means employed may be used locally to the part, or 
they may be constitutional remedies, which act indirectly. 
Local treatment—Removal of the cause will frequently allow the 
part to heal at once. Among causes of inflammation may be men- 
tioned a stone in the frog, causing a traumatic thrush; a badly fitting 
