Whenever an inflammation does not manifest a tendency to any other
termination, but continues stationary, or perhaps becomes worse, under
the use of the remedies which we employ for the cure of the inflammatio
valida, we may consider that this action (or the inflammatio
assuefacta) has taken place, and that the nature of our applications
must be changed. Bark and wine, with anodynes, may be given internally,
whilst, if the situation of the part permit, suitable applications must
be made to it. By continuing this treatment, we frequently resolve the
inflammatio assuefacta; but, occasionally, it becomes again converted
into the true acute inflammation, in which case the continuance of
the same remedies will do hurt. The appropriate local remedies, such
as cold, saturnine preparations, &c. must be had recourse to, if the
part be external, whilst, if the pulse become hard, and more frequent,
or fuller, general remedies, such as bleeding in small quantity, may
be useful; but both local and general remedies must be used with
moderation, and pushed only a certain length, otherwise we defeat our
intention, and again speedily induce the inflammatio assuefacta, by
interfering with the powers of recovery. If this happen, we must again
have recourse to the proper remedies.
DISSERTATION III.
_On the Phagedenic, and some other Species of Specific Inflammation._
When any peculiar modification of the inflammatory action takes place,
specific inflammation is said to be produced; that is to say, the
action possesses some peculiar or specific qualities, independent
of the simple condition of inflammation; and these are generally
productive of evident and visible effects, which are characteristic
of their presence; but, until these effects, which are chiefly
observable in the appearance of the consequent ulceration, appear, it
is frequently impossible, from the symptoms of the inflammation alone,
to say that it is specific; because the evident effects, or symptoms of
the inflammatory action, such as heat, pain, redness, &c. admit of few
specific alterations, varying only in degree, and this variation taking
place often without any specific affection of the action[75].
[75] In most specific inflammations, if not in every one, the redness
is never of the bright scarlet colour, but always more or less purple,
or dusky; but this may take place without any specific action. The
sensation is also sometimes different.
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