482 Observations on the medical effects 



tion is to increase the momentum and velocity of the blood ; 

 which being arrested in its passage, little blood is left in the 

 limbs. The morbid internal distribution of the circulation 

 is thus arrested, internal congestions are disturbed, and 

 eventually removed, by the increased quantity of blood 

 which now circulates with greater velocity through the parts 

 not compressed, and a mild warmth is produced, followed by 

 a retardation of the circulation. By this means morbid 

 actions may be modified, and eventually checked. 



By employing a field tourniquet, and producing a less 

 degree of pressure, the arteries may be allowed to convey 

 blood to the limb, while the return is more effectually barred 

 by the pressure of the ligature upon the more superficial 

 veins ; by which means the internal morbid circulation is 

 relieved, and much more blood is retained in the limbs than 

 before. Thus great relief is obtained in many internal dis- 

 eases, more particularly of the head and chest, by this sud- 

 den abstraction of so much blood from the circulation. I 

 shall only mention cases of apoplexy, haemoptysis, tetanus, 

 &c. as examples of disease in which this mechanical remedy 

 may be employed with great advantage. 



A therapeutical agent of such power, and so easily managed, 

 will be of great use in removing many diseases in the large 

 and important class of symptomatic congestions, which I shall 

 next consider. 



Section II. 



Symptomatic Congestions, 



A certain degree of local irritation produces a determination 

 of blood to various organs, and often occasions formidable 

 functional disorders. As this state is peculiarly under the 

 salutary influence of medicine, it is of very great importance 

 to distinguish it ; and to use the proper means of correcting 



