ON TUBERCLES IN DIFFERENT ORGANS. 
719 
ized bodies by a continuous addition of their different parts. We 
have sufficient proof of this in the uniformity of form and colour and 
density of tubercles, and their orgzanization and means of nutrition. 
Tuberculization may be described as a parasitical function, which 
grafts itself with deplorable facility on all the other functions, 
which it at the same time deteriorates. It is not an isolated 
phenomenon. It is the most frequent and terrible manifestation 
of scrofula — the undefinable Proteus of which we are now studying 
one of the forms. 
Tubercles are probably at first small vesicles of extreme tenuity, 
filled with an aqueous fluid. There are no granulations in the first 
period of the existence of these morbid productions. They have 
to pass through the liquid state before they become solid. 
Gemers was the first to give publicity to the opinion that tubercles 
were at first mere vesicles. This theory was strengthened by the 
observations of M. Dupuy, professor of the veterinary school at 
Alfort, whose researches were made on horses. He considered 
these vesicles as hydatids, which, according to his views, con- 
stituted the first period of tubercular existence. M. Lugol agrees 
with M. Dupuy as to the primitive liquidity of tubercles, but he 
does not take upon himself to decide whether or not these vesicles 
were hydatids. 
When tubercles have arrived at a size which enables us to 
appreciate them, and when by most physiologists they are termed 
granulations, they have been described as hard ovoid bodies, the 
density of which is greatest in the centre ; they afterwards soften, 
and that from the centre to the circumference. In some circum- 
stances, however, the centre of the tubercle is not the centre of 
the tubercular tumour, and consequently one part of the tumour 
may be softened while the other appears hard. 
Tubercular suppuration. — Suppuration is one of the stages 
through which tubercles, generally speaking, have to pass in their 
progressive development. We say generally speaking, for all 
tubercles are not inevitably destined to suppurate, many under- 
going the process of absorption or resolution. Tubercular suppu- 
ration is spontaneous, and takes place by an internal process as 
imperceptible as that of nutrition or generation itself. 
We will first examine the suppuration of subcutaneous tubercles. 
The fact which at first excites the greatest surprise is the in- 
sufficiency of topical remedies applied to tubercular tumours. 
Poultices, leeches, &c. do not appear to exercise the slightest in- 
fluence : they neither appear to accelerate the process ot sup- 
puration. 
The pus of tubercular abscesses has a peculiar characteristic 
odour, which it is sufficient to have once smelled in order to 
be able always to recognise it. It is nauseous and penetrating, 
and the peculiar odour of it is not soon forgotten. The pus is re- 
markably fluid, and often contains flakes of crude tubercular matter. 
