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116 DENTAL MEDICINE,

cause, for, in tropical regions, inflammation of certain organs,
often terminating in abcesses, are very prevalent. The mid-
summer and fall months are considered to be more favorable for
surgical operations, on account of the comparative absence of
inflammatory complications at such times.
Jge has also some influence as a predisposing cause of inflam-
mation. In childhood acute hyperemia is induced by compara-
tively slight exciting causes, as then the process of nutrition is at
its greatest period of activity, and any interruption of its process
is followed by derangement of health.
The effects of the irritation of the first dentition may be ad-
duced as an example. Old age induces weakness in the tissues
and decrease of power of resistance to the exciting causes of in-
flammation.
Exciting Causes of Inflammation.—These causes may all be in-
cluded in the condition known as irritation of the tissues, result-
ing from irritants of various kinds, the action of which is imme-
diate in producing the inflammatory condition. Exciting causes
may be divided into external^ which are easily recognized, and
internal^ which are more obscure, and are assisted by some pre-
disposition of the organism.
Cold is a frequent cause of inflammation, and its effects are
due to sudden changes in the constitution of the blood from an
arrest of the function of the tissues, temporary in its nature,
which interferes with the emunctory action, whereby effete and
irritant materials which should be eliminated are retained, and
poison the blood. Heat is also a cause of inflammation, its
effects varying from a slight redness, denoting transient hyper-
emia, to vesication, either superficial or deep. When death of
tissue results from such a cause, suppuration ensues on the separa-
tion of the eschar; and when there is a loss of cicatricial power,
repair by granulation and suppuration (second intention) is pre-
vented. The inflammation resulting from simple burns and
scalds, provided no eschar is formed, and air is excluded, soon
subsides.
Mechanical violence excites inflammation ; yet, under favorable
circumstances, this condition resulting from an incised wound is