316 Dr. Pearson on expectorated Matter. 
particles were perceived, though few in number, when duly 
diluted. The presence of an alkali I could in no instance 
perceive, by means of the usual tests, namely , turmeric paper, 
litmus paper slightly reddened by vinegar, and cloth stained 
with violet juice ; nor was an acid denoted by means of litmus 
paper, except when I had reason to believe it was derived from 
various acid substances taken with the food, or drink, adhering 
to the inside of the mouth and fauces. 
2. The mucilage-like expectorated matter , according to my 
observation, occurs much less frequently than the other sorts. 
It appears suddenly in great abundance in certain bronchial 
catarrhs. I have seen it to the amount of two, or three 
pints in twenty-four hours. It is also secreted, but less co- 
piously in paroxysms of spasmodic asthma, and of the hooping 
cough ; and but rarely in pneumonic, or pleuritic inflamma- 
tions, and in some chronical organic diseases of the heart and 
lungs. 
This matter is a transparent uniform fluid of the consistence 
of white of egg ; or of a mucilage compounded of about one 
part of Arabic gum, and four or five parts of water. It is 
colourless, — has a fleshy smell — has a brackish taste. After 
standing eight or ten hours, a deposit takes place of fibrous, 
leaf-like, or curdy masses, some of which are seen suspended 
in the clear fluid. In some cases nodules of opaque thick 
ropy matter, at certain times, accompany this mucilage-like 
matter. Under the simple magnifier I perceived irregular 
figured masses partly in motion and partly suspended. With 
the microscope, globules were seen ; but larger considerably 
than those of the blood, and much less numerous. With the 
usual tests there were no indications of alkali, nor of acid, 
