The circumstance of being in an unusual situation, in which the natural action cannot possibly be continued, is also a very frequent cause, producing inflammation, and preventing its resolution. We ought, upon this principle, which has been formerly mentioned, to endeavour, in almost every instance, to bring the sides of the wound together, if an wound has been the exciting cause of inflammation, by which we shall much more readily prevent or overcome the inflammatory action; because we thus bring the parts nearly to their natural situation, with respect to interstice, and thus make the organic particles be more readily thrown out[1]. This practice ought to be pushed farther than is often done. Even in many contused wounds it will be useful; because, although union may not be immediately produced, yet, when the contused part is either recovered, or absorbed, the inflammatory action may be prevented, or removed, by the restoration of the natural action, if the part be in absolute contact. It must, however, be remembered, that if much difficulty be experienced in bringing and retaining the parts together, owing to the swelling, from the previous existence of the diseased action, then our endeavour will be hurtful; because the irritation which we thus give, has a greater power to increase the action, than the circumstance of the parts being in contact, has to diminish the inflammation, and restore the natural action. [1] Bringing two surfaces in contact, although they naturally were not so, will have the same effect. Thus, if the skin be taken off the edges of our fingers, and the side of the one be applied to the side of the other, adhesion will take place, and no inflammation will be produced. When a part is inflamed, and one portion is brought in contact with another, we uniformly find, that the inflammation is less where the parts were in contact than elsewhere. Thus, when the intestines are inflamed, the parts suffer least which touch other intestines, whilst the angle betwixt the folds is most affected. This fact is observed by Mr. Hunter, but explained upon the principle of contiguous sympathy; or, “a mutual harmony being produced, which prevents their being inflamed.”