DISEASES OF ALULT LIFE. 329 
INTERNAL INFLAMMATIONS. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN (Prrenitis). 
Beginning from above downward we find the first organ 
able to inflammation, 1s the brain, There are two degrees 
of this trouble, first, congestion, which means a certain 
amount of stagnation im the blood-vessels. This condition 
may either be removed or it will pass into the second stage of 
acute inflammation If the coverings of the brain only. are the 
Seat of the inflammation, it is called meningitis. The 
causes are, whatever leads to a determination of blood to the 
head, or prevents a free circulation in it, &c. The remoter 
Causes are, strong fits of passion, intense application of the 
mind, violent exercise, injuries to the head, intemperance, 
exposure to great heat of the sun, and the effect of in- 
flammation in some other part of the body. This is called 
symptomatic. With a knowledge of the law of circulation we 
can see ata glance thatthe blood has partly receded from other 
parts of the system, and it is by this knowledge we must be 
guided in our efforts to cure. 
TREATMENT.—If we can discern the first condition or 
congestive stage, which may be known by the fullness. pain, 
throbbing and heat, give a Thompsonian course every other 
day ifthe symptoms continue As a daily medicine make a 
decoction as follows '— 
IOSeMary NETBy 6-4. ac oa kee eo »»» One ounce. 
Skullcap ..... Ret aeats et tee ee »». One ounce, 
Wood Betony ...... civ hixeeeese byes One Ounce: 
Cathipe.e-4 Peers eee eeeveenesesees One ounce, 
Oss ae Ae tt aaa OB Poe TO ST aes .» One ounce. 
Simmer in a quart of boiling water for 10 minutes; keep on 
the cover; when taken off the fire stir in a level teaspoonful of 
cayenne; let it cool, strain, press through a cloth, and give 
a wineglassful every hour while the violent Symptoms con- 
