tae ne DISEASES OF ADULT LIFE. 309 
DISEASES OF ADULT LIFE. 
There is one condition present in nearly all diseases, that 
is called inflammation. Some will challenge this statement, 
but it is true nevertheless. This condition may not appear 
visible, but it is argued that all pain is caused by it and 
obstruction to the circulation either of the blood or some of 
the other fluids of the body. The word itself denotes to set 
or be on fire, and the burning pain generally felt justifies in 
some measure the name Seeing the importance of this 
subject, it will not be unprofitable to spend a Jittle time on its 
elucidation. 
SKIN DISEASES AND INFLAMMATIONS. 
The atnormal condition known as inflammation is what may 
be termed one of the phencmena of nature. Its manifestations 
are easily discerned, but the process proper that brought them 
about still forms a matter of dispute with those who have 
thought and read much on the subject Perhaps the best and 
shortest explanation that can be offered is that it is an effort 
of nature to throw off some poisonous or effete matter from the 
parts inflamed This is clearly proved in the healing process 
of those wounds known as contused, where the flesh has been 
torn or badly bruised. then the four manifestations by which 
inflammation 1s universally known. heat, redness, pain, and 
swelling, soon appear Heat is caused by an increase of 
blood to the part . redness is due to the same; while pain and 
swelling are caused by an engorgement of the small blood- 
vessels and capillaries. which press upon the twig ends of the 
nerves, and thus cause pain and swelling. Inflammation may 
continue from an hour to several days, in an acute form, while 
in the chronic it may last for an indefinite period. It has but 
three terminations First by resolution, in which it disappears, 
leaving no trace behind; second by suppuration, when the 
parts in which the circulation has been destroyed are reduced 
into liquid matter called pus or humour, in Scotland 
