We might multiply these illustrations to a tedious extent. We might show, for example, in the eye, how curiously the greatest number of diseases in that organ are placed in structures least dangerous to the organ; and even when the organ is spoiled, so to speak, how much more frequently this is in relation to its function as _an optical instrument_, than to the structure which forms the link with the brain, as _an organ of sensation_. I must, however, refer those who wish to see more of the subject, to the work[33] in which it is more fully discussed, under the term, "The Law of Inflammation," which is a bad phrase, as imperfectly expressing the law; but as the greatest evils it exposes occur in cases of Inflammation, and as it shows the essential nature of that process to be entirely distinct from the characters which had been usually ascribed to it, every one of which may be absent so that expression was somewhat hastily given to the generalization which seemed best to express a great practical fact. To return to the bearing of all this on Abernethy's views, and in relation to organs primarily or secondarily affected. In obedience to the conservative law to which I have above alluded, defective function in one organ is usually accompanied by increased action in some other; and thus it happens that the symptoms are _almost always_ in one organ, whilst the cause, or originally injurious influence, has acted on another. The general reader will, of course, understand that we are not speaking of direct mechanical injury to an organ. _Now_ all the most recondite diseases of the kidney are already acknowledged by many to be seated in a secondarily affected organ. Still the practice is, in too many instances, a _strange mixture_ of that which is in accordance with the true view, more or less marred by much _that is in opposition to it_; because it often includes that which is certain more or less to _disturb_ the organ which it should be the object to tranquillize or relieve. In the same manner, the lungs and heart are continually disordered, and ultimately diseased, from causes which primarily act on the liver; and I have seen such a case treated with cod-liver oil and bitter ales, with a result which could not but be disastrous. The liver sends an enormous quantity of blood to the heart and lungs, from which it ought previously to have extracted a certain quantity of carbon (bile). If this be not done, the heart and lungs are oppressed both by the quantity and the quality of the blood sent to them. If nothing happen in either of the various sites I have mentioned, the blood must be got rid of; and it is so. In many cases, a vessel gives way; or blood is poured out from a vessel; or blood is employed in building up the structures of disease; but then the _symptoms_ are frequently altogether in the chest, and not a sign of anything wrong in the liver.