old extremities, indigestion, and all the
symptoms of debility.

The absorbent system is more subject to torpor or quiescence than the
secerning system, both from the coldness of the fluids which are applied to
it, as the moisture of the atmosphere, and from the coldness of the fluids
which we drink; and also from its being stimulated only by intervals, as
when we take our food; whereas the secerning system is perpetually excited
into action by the warm circulating blood; as explained in Sect. XXXII.

2. The Peruvian bark, camomile flowers, and other bitter drugs, by
stimulating this cellular branch of the absorbent system prevents it from
becoming quiescent; hence the cold paroxysms of those agues, which arise
from the torpor of the cellular lymphatics, are prevented, and the hot fits
in consequence. The patient thence preserves his natural heat, regains his
healthy colour, and his accustomed strength.

Where the cold paroxysm of an ague originates in the absorbents of the
liver, spleen, or other internal viscus, the addition of steel to vegetable
bitters, and especially after the use of one dose of calomel, much advances
the cure.

And where it originates in any part of the secerning system, as is probably
the case in some kinds of agues, the addition of opium in the dose of a
grain and half, given about an hour before the access of the paroxysm, or
mixed with chalybeate and bitter medicines, ensures the cure. Or the same
may be effected by wine given instead of opium before the paroxysm, so as
nearly to intoxicate.

These three kinds of agues are thus distinguished; the first is not
attended with any tumid or indurated viscus, which the people call an ague
cake, and which is evident to the touch. The second is accompanied with a
tumid viscus; and the last has generally, I believe, the quartan type, and
is attended with some degree of arterial debility.

3. This class of absorbent medicines are said to decrease irritability.
After any part of our system has been torpid or quiescent, by whatever
cause that was produced, it becomes afterwards capable of being excited
into greater motion by small stimuli; hence the hot fit of fever succeeds
the cold one. As these medicines prevent torpor or quiescence of parts of
the system, as cold hands or feet, which perpetually happen to weak
constitutions, the subsequent increase of irritability of these parts is
likewise prevented.

4. These absorbent medicines, including bo