Page 121 - My FlipBook
P. 121
—
INFLAMMATION. HQ
nance from the fluids of the inflamed tissue and the granulating
surface. The form known as vibrio septica generate putrefaction
in animal matter by bringing about a process of fermentation
dental caries affords an example. The chemico-vital changes
accompanying the process of putrefactive fermentation give rise
to septic poisons^ which, being absorbed in the circulation, result
in septicemia and pyemia. Dr. Koch affirms that " bacteria
do not occur in the blood nor in the tissues of the healthy
living body, either of man or of the lower animals," and the
same investigator also says : " When introduced by inocula-
tion into animal tissues, they multiply and excrete solu-
ble substances, which get into the surrounding tissues by
diff'usion."
The tissues, by the contact of the micrococci, lose their vital-
ity, and the parasite growth multiplies and spreads rapidly in the
dead tissues, advancing directly towards the parts in which vital-
ity yet remains.
Symptoms of Acute Inflammation.—The coexistence of
the phenomena, redness and heat^ with swelling and pain^ the or-
dinary symptoms of inflammation, may, therefore, be considered
as sufficient evidence of the presence of the inflammatory condi-
tion. The absence, however, of one or more of these phenomena
is not incompatible with the existence of inflammation, for the
increased redness and heat may disappear before the inflammatory
process ceases, and pain be sometimes absent.
The redness of an inflamed part is usually the first observable
phenomenon, and one of the most characteristic symptoms of in-
flammation, and one also that is persistent and due to hyperemia.
It varies in intensity, according to the degree of the inflammatory
process, the nature of the part affected, the condition of the sys-
tem, the cause of the inflammation, the freedom from obstruction
in the vessels, and the rapidity of the circulation. Of a light
tint in the early stage, it becomes deeper as the inflammatory
process increases in degree, until every grade, almost, of redness
is observable, ending in a deep crimson or even purple. It may
appear in points, streaks, in minute ramifications, or be quite
uniform over the entire surface aff^ected. Usually it is more in-
INFLAMMATION. HQ
nance from the fluids of the inflamed tissue and the granulating
surface. The form known as vibrio septica generate putrefaction
in animal matter by bringing about a process of fermentation
dental caries affords an example. The chemico-vital changes
accompanying the process of putrefactive fermentation give rise
to septic poisons^ which, being absorbed in the circulation, result
in septicemia and pyemia. Dr. Koch affirms that " bacteria
do not occur in the blood nor in the tissues of the healthy
living body, either of man or of the lower animals," and the
same investigator also says : " When introduced by inocula-
tion into animal tissues, they multiply and excrete solu-
ble substances, which get into the surrounding tissues by
diff'usion."
The tissues, by the contact of the micrococci, lose their vital-
ity, and the parasite growth multiplies and spreads rapidly in the
dead tissues, advancing directly towards the parts in which vital-
ity yet remains.
Symptoms of Acute Inflammation.—The coexistence of
the phenomena, redness and heat^ with swelling and pain^ the or-
dinary symptoms of inflammation, may, therefore, be considered
as sufficient evidence of the presence of the inflammatory condi-
tion. The absence, however, of one or more of these phenomena
is not incompatible with the existence of inflammation, for the
increased redness and heat may disappear before the inflammatory
process ceases, and pain be sometimes absent.
The redness of an inflamed part is usually the first observable
phenomenon, and one of the most characteristic symptoms of in-
flammation, and one also that is persistent and due to hyperemia.
It varies in intensity, according to the degree of the inflammatory
process, the nature of the part affected, the condition of the sys-
tem, the cause of the inflammation, the freedom from obstruction
in the vessels, and the rapidity of the circulation. Of a light
tint in the early stage, it becomes deeper as the inflammatory
process increases in degree, until every grade, almost, of redness
is observable, ending in a deep crimson or even purple. It may
appear in points, streaks, in minute ramifications, or be quite
uniform over the entire surface aff^ected. Usually it is more in-
