342 OBSERVATIONS ON THE ACTION OF MERCURY. 
out in tne shape of lymph. Serum also is thrown out, and it is 
found to be richer in albumen. As regards the state of the vessels 
themselves engaged in this process, it has been pretty accurately 
determined that they are enlarged and relaxed, and allow a larger 
quantity of blood to accumulate in them. The nervous system is 
much disordered when there is any severe attack of inflammation. 
Now, let us inquire how mercury produces its beneficial effects : — 
* * * Although I do not think that mercury acts as an 
antiphlogistic by acting on the vessels, there can be no doubt that 
a diminution of their caliber takes place after any treatment cal- 
culated to overcome inflammation. So it is that mercury, by over- 
coming inflammation, brings about a contraction of the vessels ; 
but that this is produced through some other means than mere 
action on the vessels, I shall endeavour to shew. 
* * * Mr. Swan supposed that mercury acts by producing im- 
pression on the nerves, from having found the nerves of the gan- 
glionic system highly inflamed in animals in whose veins he had 
injected mercury, and to whom he had in various ways adminis- 
tered the mineral. For my own part, I think it is through the 
blood and upon the blood that mercury exerts its powerful and 
beneficial influence. Of persons affected with mercury the health 
gets gradually out of order, a species of poisoning is produced, 
the animal and organic functions are both greatly interfered with ; 
the body becomes weak and irritable ; there is great increase in 
the flow of saliva ; and sometimes a profuse secretion from other 
organs, as the bowels or skin. These are the symptoms percep- 
tible to our senses : but is there any effect on the blood 1 and, if 
any, what effect is produced ? There is found to be a change in 
this fluid — it is altogether of a much less healthy character ; the 
clot is left solid, and more easily broken down — there is less co- 
hesion between the parts which form the vital part of the blood. 
In some cases it will not shew any tendency to coagulate ; in others 
it is found to be thick and tar-like. Generally speaking, the 
blood drawn from a patient under the influence of mercury is 
buffed and cupped ; and it has been said by Andral, that the 
proportion of fibrine is increased — a circumstance explicable by 
the febrile state of system. I think we may come to the conclu- 
sion, that mercury acts as a direct poison on the blood. 
* * * We know that the system must become affected by 
mercury before it has any beneficial effect on the inflamed organ. 
We also know that mercury acts most beneficially in inflammation, 
by preventing the deposition of solid and fluid substances from 
the blood, which is richer in fibrine and albumen ; and it is by 
producing a change in the quality and probably in the quantity of 
these constituents, that, in all probability, mercury acts. 
