Page:Collier's New Encyclopedia v. 07.djvu/237

LEFT pericaedium: 183 PERICLES discriminated. Example, the petaloid or colored portion of a lily. PERICARDIUM, a conical membra- nous sac containing the heart and the commencement of the great vessels, to the extent of about two inches from their origin. It is placed with its apex up- ward behind the sternum in the interval between the pleurae — the serous sacs in which the lungs are inclosed; while its base is attached to the diaphragm. It is a fibro-serous membrane, consisting of an external fibrous and an internal se- rous layer. The outer layer is a strong, dense, fibrous membrane; the serous layer invests the heart, and is then re- flected on the inner surface of the firbrous layer. Like all serous membranes, it is a closed sac; its inner surface is smooth and glistening, and secretes a thin fluid which serves to facilitate the natural movements of the heart. It is inflam- mation of this serous sac which consti- tutes the disease that is known as peri- carditis. Pericarditis is a disease which occa- sionally runs a very rapid course, and terminates fatally in 48 hours or less. In ordinary cases, however, which ter- minate in apparent recovery, the disease generally begins to yield in a week or 10 days, and excepting that adhesion may remain, the cure appears to be complete in three weeks or less. The treatment of pericarditis at pres- ent in favor is much less active than when bleeding, mercurialization, etc., were considered necessary. Complete rest in bed, light diet, with opium or other sedatives as required; general med- ication suited to the disease with which the pericarditis is associated, local ap- plication of poultices or cotton wool, sometimes of leeches or blisters, are the chief measures employed. PERICLES, the great Athenian states- man; born in Athens about 495 B. C, of a noble, influential and wealthy family. He received a careful education from the most eminent teachers. He applied him- self to the study of philosophy under the guidance of Anaxagoras. To his other acquirements he added that of extraor- dinary eloquence, and thus prepared, he began to take part in public aflrairs about 469 B. c, and the popular party soon rec- ognized him as their chief. He effected a great change in the constitution of the Areopagus, the stronghold of the aristo- cratic party, by which its authority was much limited, and Cimon, the head of that party, was immediately ostracized. Pericles was great as a general, and he displayed extraordinary valor at the bat- tle of Tanagra; he commanded the expe- dition against Sicyon and Acarnania; recovered Delphi from the Spartans, and quelled the revolt of Eubcea. In 444 B. C. he became sole ruler of Athens. Under his administration the navy was in- creased, commerce extended, general prosperity advanced, and Athens adorned with noble buildings. Phidias was the friend of Pericles, and under his direc- tion the Parthenon, the Propylsea, the Odeon, and the other temples and monu- ments, the admiration of all time, were erected. In 444 b. c. Pericles established PERICLES a democratic constitution in Samos, ana a counter-revolution taking place, he be- sieged the town, and after nine months reduced it. Pericles directed Athens during the first two years of the Pelopon- nesian War, in the second year of which the plague broke out at Athens, and the popular discontent vented itself in the pi'osecution of the great ruler. He was fined, but soon regained his influence. The plague carried off many of his friends and relatives, and, last of all, his favorite son, Paralus. This loss broke his heart, and after a lingering sickness he died 429 b. c. He left a son by Aspasia, who took his father's name, and was ultimately legitimated by the people.