minished proportion of the power of the
capillaries to the propelling force, it will be more apt to supervene
under the three following circumstances.

1. In a state of plethora, because then all the vessels are over
distended, and consequently any cause tending further to distend
them, whether it be a cause which debilitates them, or increases the
propelling force, will be more felt than in health.

2. In a state of general debility, because the vital powers in any
part are more readily destroyed than in health.

3. In a state of general excitement, because then the propelling
force is every where strong, and consequently apt to occasion
distention of the vessels, wherever any degree of debility occurs.
These are the states of the system which are found to predispose to
inflammation. In the first and last, the inflammation is generally of
that kind, which is termed active: the propelling force is
considerable, and the larger arteries are readily excited to
increased action. In the second state the inflammation is of the
passive kind.

This is not merely a useless physiological disquisition; it is of the
greatest use in directing our practice; and teaches us that, in
passive inflammation, which has all the symptoms of active, and
therefore shows in a striking point of view the fallacy of symptoms,
we shall not succeed by applying leeches, and other debilitating
means, to the inflamed part; on the contrary, we shall aggravate the
complaint; and the cure must be effected by stimulants applied to the
part.

As an instance of this kind of inflammation, I may mention that kind
of ophthalmia or inflammation of the eyes, which is of long standing,
and which not only resists the powers of leeches and blisters, but is
increased by them. I have frequently been consulted by patients, who
had for months been under the debilitating plan, without any benefit;
and who have been relieved almost instantly by the application of
electricity and a stimulating lotion, which restored the tone of the
debilitated vessels of the sclerotic coat, and enabled them to expel
their overcharged contents; and the balance between their action and
the propelling force being restored, the inflammation disappeared.

Indeed the effects of electricity in these kinds of inflammations are
wonderful: it seems to act almost by a charm, so quickly does the
inflammation subside; but when we understand the nature of this kind
of inflammation, it is nothing