I am persuaded that the idea of inflammation of the mucous membrane, founded on the morbid appearance of the tongue, and a dry and heated state of the surface of the body, is often too strongly entertained. When the tongue is wholly red and dry, or red in part, with whitish or yellow fur on its edge, the inference may be fairly drawn, that the digestive organs are in a morbid condition, and which is further shewn by the loss of appetite, and by the state of unnatural thirst. I admit also that in these circumstances, there is a great susceptibility to inflammatory action in the mucous membrane of the stomach and small intestines; and the knowledge of this fact should make us extremely careful in the employment of any heating stimulus, medicinal or dietetic, in the treatment of fevers, or of the phlegmasiæ. I am also aware, that, in many cases of fever, terminating fatally, the morbid appearances on dissection will be found chiefly in the mucous membrane of the alimentary canal, but also in the mucous membrane of the bronchiæ; thus lending great support to the doctrines of M. Broussais. On the other hand, I have had occasion to notice deductions, in my opinion, too hastily drawn to be correct, from the mere appearance of redness here and there in the stomach and intestines, presenting to the zealous admirers of the doctrine in question, the full evidence of gastro-enterite. Respecting the precise interpretation due to such appearances on dissection, the best anatomists and pathologists will sometimes differ. I may here remark, that the inspection is now and then made too hastily and superficially: it is requisite that the state of the whole canal should be accurately traced. In the first view of the parts it may happen that scarcely any morbid appearance is discovered; but on extending the research, even the ulcerative process may be met with in patches: at La Charité I saw several examples exactly in point. That an inflammatory state of the mucous digestive membrane is very influential upon the functions of the other organs, and of the brain especially, is unquestionable; but is it primary or consequential, in the order of occurrence? In reference to the question of continued fever, I apprehend that it is an effect, and not the primary cause of the general disease, which attacks the whole nervous system at once, afterwards producing disorder in parts of the body which are most predisposed to morbid action; and, certainly, it appears that such secondary disease most commonly falls upon the mucous membrane of the alimentary canal, and also on the bronchial membrane.