inirritabilitas._ The inirritability of the
gall-bladder probably occasions one kind of _icterus_, or jaundice; which
is owing to whatever obstructs the passage of bile into the duodenum. The
jaundice of aged people, and which attends some fevers, is believed to be
most frequently caused by an irritative palsy of the gall-bladder; on which
account the bile is not pressed from the cyst by its contraction, as in a
paralysis of the urinary bladder.

A thickening of the coats of the common bile-duct by inflammation or
increased action of their vessels so as to prevent the passage of the bile
into the intestine, in the same manner as the membrane, which lines the
nostrils, becomes thickened in catarrh so as to prevent the passage of air
through them, is probably another frequent cause of jaundice, especially of
children; and generally ceases in about a fortnight, like a common catarrh,
without the aid of medicine; which has given rise to the character, which
charms have obtained in some countries for curing the jaundice of young
people.

The spissitude of the bile is another cause of jaundice, as mentioned in
Class I. 1. 3. 8. This also in children is a disease of little danger, as
the gall-ducts are distensible, and will the easier admit of the exclusion
of gall-stones; but becomes a more serious disease in proportion to the age
of the patient, and his habits of life in respect to spirituous potation.

A fourth cause of jaundice is the compression of the bile-duct by the
enlargement of an inflamed or schirrous liver; this attends those who have
drank much spirituous liquor, and is generally succeeded by dropsy and
death.

M. M. Repeated emetics. Mild cathartics. Warm bath. Electricity. Bitters.
Then steel, which, when the pain and inflammation is removed by
evacuations, acts like a charm in removing the remainder of the
inflammation, and by promoting the absorption of the new vessels or fluids;
like the application of any acrid eye-water at the end of ophthalmia; and
thus the thickened coats of the bile-duct become reduced, or the
enlargement of the liver lessened, and a free passage is again opened for
the bile into the intestine. Ether with yolk of egg is recommended, as
having a tendency to dissolve inspissated bile. And a decoction of madder
is recommended for the same purpose; because the bile of animals, whose
food was mixed with madder, was found always in a dilute state. Aerated
alcaline water, or Seltzer's wate