ON THE PRODUCTION OF GLANDERS. 221 
us with an answer to this question of a more precise and satisfac- 
tory description than formerly could have been given. 
VI Animal life is sustained through veritable combustion. 
Pulmonary exhalation proves this. The air expired from the lung 
contains the products of combustion, carbonic acid and water. The 
combustible matter entering into the constitution of the organism 
is therein incessantly separated and eliminated through the agency 
of the affinity of the oxygen absorbed upon the pulmonary surface. 
It is the same with the incombustible matter, azote ; that being 
separated from its various combinations whenever the oxygen 
exerted its affinity, and becoming eliminated through the urinary 
passages. 
The effect of the air, then, introduced into the system through 
the respiratory passages, is incessantly to destroy organic com- 
binations, eliminate the products : those in a state of combustion, 
carbonic acid and water, through the lungs and skin ; those incom- 
bustible, azotic matters, separated from the blood in the form of 
urea , through the urinary channels. The oxygen of the air is con- 
tinually producing combustion and decomposition of the living 
animal fibre. 
VII. This action of combustion and decomposition is the more 
potent the more the acts of respiration and circulation are accele- 
rated, and the contact of the air with the blood becomes, in conse- 
quence, the oftener repeated. 
Work cannot be performed without the acts of respiration and 
the pulsations of the heart becoming more energetic, and propor- 
tionably so with the speed and intensity of the work ; the conse- 
quence of which is, to bring the organic fibre oftener into the 
presence of oxygen, and so to hasten combustion and decomposi- 
tion. 
Chemical analysis shews that the products of combustion, ex- 
haled through the skin and lungs, after a rapid course are consider- 
ably augmented ; consequently, decomposition becomes augmented 
under such circumstances. I pass over, in this estimate of the 
causes of wear and tear in the animal machine, the nervous ex- 
haustion consequent on muscular contraction, because, although I 
attach great importance to them, in this discussion they are not 
necessary for my demonstration. 
VIII. The orgasm is opposed to this oxydation : — 
1st. By virtue of the innate force of cohesion existing between 
its component particles, a force which for a certain time is able to 
counteract the affinity resulting from the action of oxygen. 
2dly. And especially through the continually renewed influence 
of the aliments introduced in sufficient quantity into the digestive 
apparatus for furnishing the living tissue with the elements proper 
