The scrophulous inflammation is marked by a soft swelling of the affected part, which very frequently is one of the lymphatic glands. The covering, or coat of the gland, becomes slightly thickened, and its substance more porous and doughy[84]. The swelling increases, and the doughy feel changes by degrees into that of elasticity, or fluctuation, and a firm stool, or circumscribed hardened margin, can be felt round the base of the tumor. The skin is slightly red. If, at this time, an incision or puncture be made, either no matter, or very little, is evacuated, the lips of the wound inflame and open, displaying a sloughy-looking substance within, and betwixt this and the skin a probe can often be introduced for some way all round. If, however, the disease have been farther advanced, then there is very little elasticity in the tumor, it is quite soft, rather flaccid, and fluctuates freely; the skin becomes of a light purple colour, and small veins may be seen ramifying on its surface. In some time after these appearances are observed, the skin may be felt becoming thinner at one particular part, and here it also generally becomes of a darker colour, then it bursts, and discharges a thin fluid like whey, mixed with a curdy matter, or thick white flocculi. The redness of the skin still continues, but the aperture enlarges in proportion as the tumor subsides, forming the scrophulous ulcer. The margins are smooth, obtuse, and overlap the ulcer; they are of a purple colour, and rather hard and tumid. The surface of the sore is of a light red colour; the granulations are flabby and indistinct; and the aspect is of a peculiar kind, which cannot be described. The discharge is thin, slightly ropy, and copious, with curdy-looking flakes. The pain is inconsiderable. [84] When the conglomerate glands are affected, the tumor is generally hard and firm until matter forms.