These sympathies are less frequent than the preceding. In the diseases of the glandular system, we see however examples of them. The history of inflammations of the kidneys, the salivary glands, the liver, &c. shows us many phenomena arising sympathetically in the other systems on account of the diseases of this. I do not speak of the derangement of digestion and the circulation, functions which, naturally connected with the secretions, are inevitably deranged when these are; I speak of the organs, which having no direct relation with the diseased glands, are yet affected, as we see in convulsions, spasms, wandering or fixed pains in different places, sweats, &c.
The testicles in health exert a remarkable influence upon the organs of the voice. We know that it becomes more harsh the moment they enter into action, and that it changes when they are removed by castration; this phenomenon is constant and invariable. Barthez believed that it arose from the ordinary sympathetic phenomena; in fact, it appears to be but a particular modification of that general influence which the testicles exert on all the vital forces, which are uniformly debilitated or strengthened, according as their action is feeble or strong. Yet some organs are more disposed than others to feel these affections. The pectoral mucous system is an example of this. Passive hemorrhage of this system is frequently the consequence of excessive excretion of semen; phthisis even is often the fatal effect of it.
Characters of the Vital Properties. First Character. Life peculiar to each Gland.
The glandular life, the result of the preceding forces considered in exercise, is not uniform in the whole system, no doubt because its texture differs in each gland, and because to each texture is given a peculiar modification of vitality. Many phenomena result from these differences which have been well observed by Bordeu.
1st. Each gland has certain substances with which it is exclusively in relation in the natural state. Hence why the salivary glands do not secrete bile, and the liver allows the materials of urine to pass in its vessels without separating them; from this results the diversity of secretions. Hence also why cantharides affect exclusively the kidneys; why mercury acts especially upon the salivary glands; why certain substances affect the testicles in a peculiar manner, increase their secretion and even promote the excretion of the semen; why some aliments give more milk than others. I am persuaded that certain substances act upon the mucous glands and dispose them to a greater secretion.
2d. Each gland has its peculiar mode of sympathies. We have seen that the testicles sympathize especially with the pectoral organs, and the liver with the brain. The kidneys, when affected with acute pain, have an influence peculiarly on the stomach, and occasion vomiting. The mammæ and the womb are directly and particularly connected in sympathies.
3d. The inflammation of each gland has a particular character. That of the kidneys does not resemble that of the liver, the testicles, &c. The prostate gland when inflamed produces symptoms wholly different from those of the testicles, &c. I do not speak of the differences resulting from the diversity of the fluids, but only of those which arise from the difference of texture.
4th. Each gland has its peculiar diseases, or such at least to which it is disposed more than the others. Hydatids are very often found near the convexity of the liver; they are never seen in the salivary glands or the testicles. Though the parotid glands are as much exposed to the action of external bodies as the testicles, there are twenty sarcoceles to one scirrhus of these glands. The liver alone exhibits that peculiar state that is called fatty; no gland is more frequently the seat of steatomatous tumours. Physicians who have opened but few bodies, employ the vague and insignificant word obstruction, &c. for every kind of glandular swelling. But observe that most commonly these swellings have nothing in common among them but the increase in size; their nature is wholly different, and yet observe how ignorant many are in medicine; they perceive by the touch that there is a hardness of the liver, and immediately aperients, the acetate of potash, &c. are the common means which they oppose to hydatids, to steatomatous tumours, to scirrhi with granulations like marble, to fatty livers and to a hundred different alterations from which the increase of size may arise, as if it was this increase and not the kind of tumour that produced it, which they had to combat. Give then also aperients when the liver displaced by hydrothorax projects unnaturally, and you will act almost as rationally.
5th. Each gland exhibits peculiar modifications in those evacuations that are called critical, of which it is sometimes the seat after long diseases, &c. &c.
6th. It is also to the difference of vitality of the different parts of the glandular system, that must be referred the following phenomenon; certain glands enter suddenly into action, either from a direct irritation, or a sympathetic excitement, as the lachrymal for example, which from a state of remission passes suddenly from the influence of the passions, to that of copious secretion. On the contrary, it requires some time to excite the other glands, as for example the kidneys, pancreas, &c. which cannot suddenly pour out their fluids, whatever may be the excitement they experience. The same stimulus applied to the conjunctiva, produces a flow of tears, and at the same time increases the action of the Meibomian glands; but the first effect takes place before the other. The same stimuli applied to the mucous surfaces can never produce a catarrhal discharge till the expiration of some time.