Of all the abdominal viscera, the liver is the least frequently deranged
in structure, and when it exhibits any morbid change it is both less
extensive and less characteristic. The blood contained in it is
peculiarly dark and always fluid; its parenchyma is sometimes softer
than natural; the gall-bladder contains a large quantity of bile, which
is seldom healthy, being almost always in one of two states of disease,
either paler and more fluid than natural, or extremely dark and very
much inspissated.
The preceding comprehend all the morbid conditions of the abdominal
viscera which are peculiar to fever: but the organs of this cavity
exhibit other and great varieties of disease, to which, since they form
no part of the febrile changes, it is sufficient merely to advert. Such
are inflammation of the peritoneum; effusion of lymph upon its surface
or of serum into its cavity; agglutination of the intestines;
inflammation of the mesentery; false adhesions between the liver,
spleen, and mesentery; tubercles in the liver; induration of its
substance; tubercles and abscess of the spleen; thickening of the coats
of the bladder and inflammation of its mucous membrane: in the female,
vascularity and enlargement of the ovaria, to which hydatids are
sometimes attached; vascularity of the external surface of the uterus,
and inflammation of the os tincæ and of its internal membrane: it is
rare to find any appearance of disease in the kidney in either sex.
Such is the circle of organs which are observed to be specifically
diseased in fever, and with the most remarkable constancy. We go on to
give individual cases in illustration of these morbid changes and of the
symptoms with which they are accompanied.
II. CASES IN ILLUSTRATION OF THE MORBID CHANGES WHICH TAKE PLACE WITHIN
THE HEAD: OR CEREBRAL CASES.
1. _Vascularity of Brain, Spinal Cord and Membranes, with Gelatinous or
slight Serous Effusion._
CASE XV.
SARAH AGENBAR, æt. 21, married.
After some previous indisposition, attacked, eight days ago, with the
ordinary symptoms of fever. At present, unable to give any account of
her illness, or to answer any question: delirium came on four days ago,
which still continues; mind quite fatuous; extreme restlessness; no
sleep: eyes wild and rolling; tongue not to be protruded; pulse 130,
weak and indistinct.
9th. No sleep; delirium the same; pulse 126.
10th. Died.
_Head._ Membranes and substance of the brain highly vascular; no
effusion. _Thorax._ Viscera exhibited only slight indications of
disease. _Abdomen._ Viscera nearly healthy.
CASE XVI.
MARY WELSH, æt. 55, admitted on the 15th day of fever. Attack came on
with ordinary symptoms. Pain of head now gone; some sleep; tongue
loaded, moist; pulse 80; skin cool.
21st. No pain; much prostration; tongue dry; pulse 104.
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