"When it is idiopathic and proceeding from cold, it is usually unimportant, for though the progress of the swelling be rapid, and the appearance of the disease formidable, yet it readily subsides under proper treatment, as the effusion proves in these cases, either partially or fully corrective of its cause; and little more, under such circumstances, is required in its treatment, than to promote the absorption of the water. In some cases of general anasarca, however, the disease is more severe; for sometimes the action of the heart and arteries is increased, the urine becomes loaded with serum, and there is thirst and other indications of general vascular excitement, similar to the state which was noticed, as producing effusion into the brain, or the other cavities of the body." In some cases, the serous effusion appears to be translated from one part to another. Our author very justly adds, however, that this translation is not of the serous fluid, but only of the serous inflammation giving rise to the effusion. It usually takes place from one portion of the cellular membrane to another; but sometimes from this membrane to the serous tissue of the brain, chest, or abdomen. Oedema of the feet and ankles is often symptomatic of chylopoietic disturbance, and particularly in young women, in whom the menstrual function is obstructed. In these cases, as well as in the oedema following gout or rheumatism, the swelling usually commences with considerable pain and stiffness of the parts, and hardness of the swelling. "But the most common form of anasarca is that which is symptomatic of some visceral disease; and which, as it ordinarily appears, arises from a state of the system that answers to the hydropic diathesis of systematic authors." This form of the disease begins in the lower extremities, and is rarely attended with strong signs of local excitement so obvious in anasarca of the idiopathic kind. Its occurrence has been referred to various causes. When combined with ascites, it is supposed to arise from pressure of the iliac veins by the fluid accumulated in the abdomen,--an opinion which our author combats by repeating, in great measure, the arguments we have already noticed.