here is left in the tissues an
imperfectly organized particle, incapable of undergoing a complete vital
change, around which cluster other particles of tubercular matter,
forming little grains, like millet seed, or growing, by new accretions
of like particles, to masses of more extensive size. As tubercle is but
a semi-organized substance, of deficient vitality, it is very prone to
disintegration and suppuration. Being foreign to the tissues in which it
is embedded, like a thorn in the flesh, it excites a passive form of
inflammation, and from lack of inherent vital energy it is apt to
decompose and cause the formation of pus. Hence, infiltration of the
muscles, glands, or other soft parts with tuberculous matter, when
inflammation is aroused by its presence, and by an exciting cause, give
rise to abscesses, as in lumbar or psoas abscesses. When occurring in
the joints, tubercles may give rise to chronic suppurative inflammation,
as in white swellings and hip-joint disease. Various skin diseases are
regarded as local expressions of, or as being materially modified by,
the scrofulous diathesis, as eczema, impetigo, and lupus. The disease
popularly known as "_fever-sore_" is another form of scrofulous
manifestation, affecting the shafts of the bones, and causing
disorganization and decay of their structure. Discharges from the ear,
bronchitis, chronic inflammation of the intestinal mucous membrane, and
chronic diarrhea are frequently due to scrofula, while pulmonary
consumption is unanimously regarded as a purely scrofulous affectation.
Scrofula shows a strong disposition to manifest itself in the lymphatic
glands, particularly in the superficial ones of the neck. The most
distinguishing feature of this form of the disease is the appearance of
little kernels or tumors about the neck. These often remain about the
same size, neither increasing nor diminishing, until finally, without
having caused much inconvenience, they disappear. After a time these
glands may again enlarge, with more or less pain accompanying the
process. As the disease progresses, the pain increases, and the parts
become hot and swollen. At length the "matter" which has been forming
beneath, finds its way to the surface and is discharged in the form of
thin pus, frequently containing little particles or flakes of tubercular
matter. During the inflammatory process there may be more or less
febrile movement, paleness of the surface, languor, impaired appetit