430. Some secretions are evidently produced only in particular 197 emergencies, as is seen in the increased secretion of bony matter when a limb is broken.
431. When any substance which is not demanded for nutrition, or does not give nourishment to the system, is imbibed by the lymphatic vessels, and conveyed into the blood, it is eliminated in the secretions.
Illustration. A few years since, a poor inebriate was carried to a London hospital in a state of intoxication. He lived but a few hours. On examining his brain, nearly half a gill of fluid, strongly impregnated with gin, was found in the cavities of this organ. This was secreted from the vessels of the brain.
HYGIENE OF THE SECRETORY ORGANS.
432. Unless the secretions are regularly maintained, disease will be the ultimate result. Let the secretions from the skin be suppressed, and fever or some internal inflammation will follow. If the bile is impeded, digestion will be impaired. If any other secretion is suppressed, it will cause a derangement of the various internal organs.
Observation. Ardent spirits derange the secretions, and change the structure of the brain. This is one reason why inebriates do not generally live to advanced age.
433. The quantity of blood influences the character of the secretions. If it is lessened to any great extent, the secretions will be lessened as well as changed in character.
Illustration. When a person has lost a considerable quantity of blood, there is a sensation of thirst in the fauces, attended with a cold, pale, dry skin. When reaction comes 198 on, the perspiration is cold, attended with nausea, and sometimes vomiting.
431. What becomes of those substances imbibed by the lymphatics that do not give nourishment to the body. 432–437. Give the hygiene of the secretory organs. 432. What effect on the system when the secretions are not regularly maintained? 433. Does the quantity of blood influence the secretions? Give an illustration.