Page 238 - My FlipBook

234 PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS.

a point that has been considerably controverted ; and
the assertion has been made, that it is of no conse-
quence whether it is or not, provided we understand
the true method of treating it. This, however, is
not to be so readily conceded ; for the confession that
we do not know what to call a thing, generally im-
plies an ignorance of its character and phenomena;
while the term inflammation conveys a more definite
notion, the phrase exalted sensibility is very vague
in meaning. That it is true inflammation, is the

opinion of our best dental writers.
The dentine is endowed with the functions of

absorption, nutrition, and secretion—characteristics
that always imply a susceptibility of inflammation.
In inflammation of the soft parts, there are present
as, pain, redness, swelling, and
various indications ;
increased heat. But in dentine, on account of its
peculiar structure, all these indications can not be
manifested : for instance, redness, since the red
globules do no circulate through it; nor swelling,

since the structure is too dense; nor perceptibly
increased heat, since the circulation is of too low a
grade. But, one of the most definite indications of
inflammation, namely, exalted sensibility, is present
here in all its force. And there are various other
circumstances that indicate this condition to be real
inflammation : the same irritating causes that induce