ON INFLAMMATION. 
327 
will be less than the natural temperature of the frame; but the 
heat will be supplied too rapidly for the skin to be lowered to its 
usual temperature; and it is this variation from the natural degree 
of warmth that attracts the attention, and guides to the seat and 
degree of inflammation. A part feels hot to the observer that is 
above the natural temperature of his hand, and cold w hen it is 
below that temperature. The communication of heat, agreeably 
to the principle of equilibrium, from the part to the hand of the 
observer gives the sensation of heat—the abstraction of heat 
from the hand gives the sensation of cold ; and according* to the 
degree of heat over an inflamed part, the increased rapidity of 
the circulation through the capillaries, or the degree of inflam¬ 
mation, is estimated ; or according to the degree of cold, as 
occasionally in the extremities, we judge of the deficiency of cir¬ 
culation there, and the probable and dangerous accumulation of 
blood around a vital part. 
The swelling may be accounted for on almost every theory; 
but best of all on "the supposition of increased action of the 
capillary vessels. If the capillaries are so numerous that you 
cannot prick any part with a pin without the starting of the 
blood, the distention of so many of these minute vessels will 
cause general enlargement of the part. 
The definition of inflammation is, that “itis increased action of 
the capillariesnot merely increased flow of blood through them, 
but increased discharge of all their functions, nutritive and secre¬ 
tory, with the occasional exception, perhaps, of one—exhalation. 
If a solid part be the seat of inflammation, there is increased nu¬ 
triment to the part,—increased deposition of the substance of the 
part, at first perfect in character, but soon varying materially 
from the healthy structure. If it be of bone, or rather of carti¬ 
lage, which is to give place to bone, there is a strange defect of 
organization—it is a mingled mass of cartilage ancl bone; or, 
when the part is macerated for preservation, an irregular, spongy, 
brittle, half-formed bone, is found, “ medis indigestaque moles/’ 
When the deposit is formed in the cellular or muscular sub¬ 
stance, the organization is as imperfect,—it is enlargement with¬ 
out decisive character—firm, yet easily lacerable : and even w hen 
the inflammation exists in the mucous or the serous membranes, 
the same process is observed—first, increased secretion of its 
natural and healthy quality, but soon changing its appearance 
and character, assuming in various parts the w ildest and most 
fantastic forms, and ending in solid deposition, adhesion, conges¬ 
tion, impenetrability, and utter loss of function. This unnatural 
deposition is sometimes removed when the inflammation is sub¬ 
dued, but oftener, although irregularly, it is too firmly organ- 
