o the body,
the functions both of body and mind become increased in vigour; but
if the exciting causes are continued and increased, the functions
become disturbed, and their action becomes painful and distressing.
This state, which is called sthenic diathesis, is often accompanied
by a redness, swelling, pain, and increased heat of some particular
part: these symptoms constitute what is usually termed an
inflammation of the part.

The method of cure in sthenic diseases was shown to be, by reducing
or moderating the action of the exciting powers; by keeping the body
cool; abstaining from high seasoned, and, in general, from animal
food; by the use of purgatives, and in many cases by diminishing the
quantity of blood in the body. I mentioned likewise, that it would be
but of little use to attempt to subdue the excitement of the inflamed
part, unless the excitement of the whole system was previously
diminished; but that after a general bloodletting, stimulant remedies
applied to the inflamed part, might be employed with success. This is
strictly agreeable to experience, but at first sight seems so very
contrary to the principles that have been advanced, that I shall
endeavour to explain the phenomena of inflammation, which do not seem
to be in general well understood.

All kinds of inflammation agree, in being attended with redness,
increased temperature, pain, and swelling; but they vary according to
the situation and texture of the part affected. All parts of the
body, excepting the cuticle, nails, hardest part of the teeth, and
hair, are subject to inflammation.

Among the causes of these complaints, may be enumerated too full a
diet, particularly too free a use of fermented liquors, and whatever
increases the impetus of the blood towards the part, as mechanical
and chemical irritation, and sudden changes of temperature,
particularly from cold to heat.

To explain the nature of inflammation, it may be observed, that such
is the wise constitution of the animal body, that whatever injures
it, excites motions calculated to correct or expel the offending
cause. Thus if an irritating substance is received into the stomach,
it excites vomiting; if into the lungs, a violent fit of coughing is
excited, and if into the nostrils, sneezing is the consequence. In
such cases we can readily trace the motions excited, and the manner
in which they act; but cannot trace the manner in which the offending
cause excites these motions