[83] There are many different divisions of herpes; as, for instance, into the scurfy, scabby, miliary, &c.; but, for a description of these, I must refer to the writers on the diseases of the skin.
[84] When the conglomerate glands are affected, the tumor is generally hard and firm until matter forms.
[85] Cullen’s First Lines, Vol. IV.
[86] Bell’s Treatise on Ulcers, p. 424.
[87] The morbid condition of the formative action is very frequently manifested in the bones, which are less perfect, that is to say, softer, containing less calcareous earth, and later of being formed. Thus, the teeth are longer of appearing; the bones of the head are soft and yielding, and hence the head is large; the long bones bend and lose their shape, or their extremities swell, and, from being more vascular than their nature is fitted for, inflammation is very apt to be induced. The yielding and increasing of the bones of the cranium is likewise attended with a similar effect, for the brain becomes too large in proportion to the rest of the body, and is very apt to inflame, and have effusions formed into it. At other times, the diseased state of the formative action appears most distinctly at the surface, the skin being rough, and very apt to desquamate.
[88] Some gentlemen have denied that scrophula was a hereditary disease; but it is unnecessary to offer any argument on this subject.
[89] This term is used here in a different sense from its common one, which signifies sensibility, or delicacy with regard to sensation, and capability of being acted on.
[90] Parts which are improperly organised, or which are not in every respect similar, both in their structure and constitution (by which I mean, mode of acting in general), to what naturally they ought to be, are not only less capable of performing their actions aright, but likewise are to be considered as in some respect extraneous to the human body, or, as it were, insulated, and do not correspond exactly to other parts. They therefore receive less support from the neighbouring parts, and, consequently, have their power diminished. The imperfection of action consequent to these causes is proportioned to the morbid condition of the part.
[91] See what has been said on this subject when treating of the cure of mortification.
[92] See the second volume of Medical Communications.