It should consequently be the study of our art to favour the salutary efforts of nature; and invariably to cherish and encourage, in a judicious manner, those hopes of the patient, which in this destructive disease are always, to a remarkable degree, so fondly entertained. It is to be observed that if a solid cicatrix be formed, and the bronchial tubes terminating in the part be obliterated, the phenomenon of pectoriloquism cannot be found; but we meet with it in two states of the diseased lung, the one in which the ulcerative process is at present going on; the other, in which there is a healed excavation or ulcer, lined by a newly-formed membrane, of a semi-cartilaginous nature, and fistulous. These respective conditions will of course be denoted by the relative state of the patient. The perfect cicatrix is more completely a curative process, than the formation of fistula. The recovery of health from the cure of ulceration just described, may prove more or less lasting accordingly as the remaining part of the lung be free, or not, from tubercles. But even when they do exist, they may fortunately remain dormant for some years. In every case of seeming recovery from consumption, it is incumbent on the patient to lead a life of the utmost care, and to choose a favourable climate, endeavouring to avoid the cold of winter, the extreme heat of summer, and the vicissitudes of spring and of the latter part of autumn, by the best possible management. M. Laennec is particularly partial to a sea-side residence for consumptive patients. In some circumstances of consumption, the existence of pectoriloquism, as denoting the ulcerative process, is considered by this physician to be rather favourable than otherwise; because it is an indication that nature is making efforts towards a cure, by maturing and evacuating the tuberculous matter. The prognosis is favourable in proportion as we have reason to hope that the other parts of the lungs are healthy. In some severe examples, numerous tubercles acquire an active state of disease; and the consequent irritation is so excessive, that death takes place without the usual process of ulceration. The nature of the expectoration will guide us considerably in our diagnosis; but it is necessary to keep in recollection, that it should never be judged of separately from the other symptoms. It frequently happens that we witness the sputa of ill appearance and puriform, without danger in the patient; in so great a degree does the bronchial membrane, in common with the other mucous membranes, fall into a state of irritation and diseased action, which alters the secreting function most remarkably; and, as a consequence, we find the product similar in appearance to that which the vessels form, when there is actual breach of surface.