On the theory of inflammation / [John James Drysdale].

  • Drysdale, J. J. (John James), 1817-1892.
Date:
1838
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the theory of inflammation / [John James Drysdale]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    37/80 (page 29)
    being arterial,* imperfectly changed to venous, on account of the diminished action of the vessels. The redness in transparent parts is not from the formation of new vessels, but merely from the red particles entering vessels, which were too small to admit them.f (J. Thomson.) The pain is produced by the pressure and irrita¬ tion of sensific nerves by the distended vessels. In fever the capillaries of the surface being now relaxed, the blood enters and distends them beyond their natural diameter, so that the heat, red¬ ness, and fulness of the surface, are not only restor¬ ed, but raised above the natural standard. While the blood being permitted to flow freely through the capillaries, the heart is relieved from the load which oppressed it, and the pulse becomes frequent, full, and strong. The capillaries of the grey mat¬ ter of the brain and spinal cord being also relaxed, more blood enters, and the energy of these organs is increased; hence delirium, sleeplessness, restless¬ ness, and increased acuteness of the senses. In this second stage of Inflammation and Fever, there is not only diminution of the contractile power of * J. Burns (on Inflammation, vol. i. p. 355.) t Marshall Hall says that all vessels receive red particles, and, therefore, it is merely from their greater quantity and slower motion.