Page:Transactions of the Provincial Medical and Surgical Association, volume 1.djvu/67

 full and strong, becomes feebler and somewhat irregular. On careful examination by a practised finger, the irregularity will be found to affect both the frequency, the rhythm, and the force; other derangements of frame accompany this stage, but my present purpose is with the pulse alone. This enfeebled and irregular pulse is continually misconceived as indicative of debility, and stimulants are resorted to for arousing its dormant powers, when depletion and abstinence would be the more rational treatment.

These few representations may suffice to shew, that sensible derangement of frame, cognizable by the pulse, may exist, while the party is yet unconscious of being otherwise than in perfect health. Should such a person be suddenly seized with some acute distemper, from exposure to an exciting cause, it is obvious that the antecedent state of general health must have material influence on the superinduced disease. Depravation of other functions may also escape notice, if appearances be relied on, or superficial examination trusted to. The brain may be overcharged with blood, giving rise to casual languor, drowsiness, heavy sleep; the heart and lungs may labour from slight bodily exertion; the stomach may feel oppressed by food; the tongue may be white and furred; the stools inadequate, or dark, slimy, and fetid; the urine turbid, and throwing down a copious sediment, yet, notwithstanding these unequivocal manifestations of disturbed health, if no special lesion impede the course of life, if the party, incited by adequate cordials, be capable of going through the day's engagements, the consciousness