in those in which the disease has been allowed
to exist long unopposed, it may be found that all that art is capable
of accomplishing, is that of checking its further progress. Nor will
this be regarded as a trifle, when, by reference to the history of the
disease, is seen the train of harassing evils which would be thus
avoided.

But it seems as if there existed reason for hoping for more. For
supposing change of structure to have taken place, it is extremely
probable that this change may be merely increase in mass or volume by
interstitial addition, the consequence of increased action in the
minute vessels of the part. In that case, should the instituting of a
purulent discharge, in a neighbouring part, act in the manner which we
would presume it may--should it by keeping up a constant discharge,
not merely alter the determination, but diminish the inordinate action
of the vessels in the diseased part; and at the same time excite the
absorbents to such increased action as may remove the added matter;
there will exist strong ground for hope, that a happy, though slow
restoration to health, may be obtained.

Until we are better informed respecting the nature of this disease,
the employment of internal medicines is scarcely warrantable; unless
analogy should point out some remedy the trial of which rational hope
might authorize. Particular circumstances indeed must arise in
different cases, in which the aid of medicine may be demanded: and the
intelligent will never fail to avail themselves of any opportunity of
making trial of the influence of mercury, which has in so many
instances, manifested its power in correcting derangement of
structure.

The weakened powers of the muscles in the affected parts is so
prominent a symptom, as to be very liable to mislead the inattentive,
who may regard the disease as a mere consequence of constitutional
debility. If this notion be pursued, and tonic medicines, and highly
nutritious diet be directed, no benefit is likely to be thus obtained;
since the disease depends not on general weakness, but merely on the
interruption of the flow of the nervous influence to the affected
parts.

It is indeed much to be regretted that this malady is generally
regarded by the sufferers in this point of view, so discouraging to
the employment of remedial means. Seldom occurring before the age of
fifty, and frequently yielding but little inconvenience for several
months, it is generally conside