It is here necessary to say a few words upon the misapplication of this order of remedies. Dr. Davy found by experiment that when an animal is bled to death, the last portions of blood that flow are of a much lower specific gravity than that which flows first, in consequence of the former containing more water, which it may be inferred was derived by the increased activity of the absorbents, exerted chiefly on mucous and serous membranes. Since then venesection promotes and accelerates absorption,[236] it is clear that, in inflammatory diseases, where we have recourse to blood-letting, in order to diminish the volume of circulating fluids, we ought not to suffer the patient to indulge in an unrestrained use of liquids, which he eagerly demands to satisfy a thirst which, in all probability, is the natural consequence of increased absorption. In such cases, it is often better to take liquids in small divided doses, which will have the effect of moderating the thirst, without overloading the arterial system, and bringing on that tension and plenitude which are liable to be produced by swallowing too large a proportion of liquids. In the use of water upon such occasions, it may moreover be observed, that its temperature ought to be attended to; as a general rule it may be laid down, that in the _cold_ stage it should be hot, in the _hot_, cold, and in the _sweating_, tepid. With regard to the value of diluents, as capable of promoting the operation of other remedies, many observations of great practical importance might be adduced; but this subject will be more properly elucidated when we come to consider the influence of solubility in modifying the activity of medicinal substances, and which constitutes a very curious and interesting object of chemico-medical enquiry. While speaking of Diluents it may be cursorily noticed, that water appears, under certain circumstances of the body, to suffer decomposition, and to have its elements appropriated to new combinations. Count Rumford has endeavoured to prove, that the surprisingly small quantity of solid food which is sufficient for nourishment, when converted into rich and palatable soup, is owing to the culinary process having prepared the water for chemical decomposition,[237] and that this is ultimately effected during the act of Digestion.[238] It cannot be denied that the exorbitant potation of water has a tendency to produce fat, but this may depend upon the vascular distention which is thus occasioned. Gin drinkers, before they become materially injured by the habit, grow extremely corpulent, as may often be witnessed in unfortunate cyprians of the lower orders. Can the hydrogen of the spirit contribute to this effect? EMOLLIENTS: Substances whose application diminishes the force of cohesion in the particles of the solid matter of the human body, and thereby renders them more lax and flexible.