24° M\ blizard’s new Method of 
Though the difeafe be frequently the effect of a virus 
in the habit, yet furgeons find, that fometimes the caufe 
is very fimple, and eafily to be conceived from the ana- 
logy of parts. 
The membranous portions of the nafal dudl and la- 
chrymal fac are a continuation of the pituitous membrane 
of the nofe. This membrane is exceedingly vafcular, 
fecretes a large quantity of mucus upon its internal fur- 
face, and is endued with a great degree of fenfibiiity. 
Experience fhews the great defluxions that are often- 
times made upon the pituitous membrane ; the increafed 
fecretion of mucus that happens upon the application 
of various ftimulants ; and the firm confidence it 
often acquires from ftagnation, abforption, and evapora- 
tion of its thinner parts : moreover, that the membrane 
itfelf frequently becomes inflamed and thickened. 
The duel and fac may be affected through ob- 
flrucSled perfpiration, 8cc. ; and thickened from the 
turgid ftate of their veflels : the fecretion of mucus may 
alfo be confiderably augmented. From the thickened 
ftate of the membrane of the du£t, the fluids in the fac 
pafs with difficulty : by retention, warmth, and abforp- 
tion, they are rendered vifeid ; and the difficulty, that 
at firfl arofe from the thickened ftate of the membrane, 
2 
now 
