n of steel, which restores by its specific stimulus the absorbent
power of the liver; and the menstruation, which was obstructed in
consequence of debility, recurs.

Indigestion, owing to torpor of the stomach, and a consequent too great
acidity of its contents, attend this disease; whence a desire of eating
chalk, or marl. Sometimes a great quantity of pale urine is discharged in a
morning, which is owing to the inaction of the absorbents, which are
distributed on the neck of the bladder, during sleep. The swelling of the
ankles, which frequently attends chlorosis, is another effect of deficient
action of the absorbent system; and the pale countenance is occasioned by
the deficient quantity of red globules of blood, caused by the deficient
quantity or acrimony of the bile, and consequent weakness of the
circulation. The pulse is so quick in some cases of chlorosis, that, when
attended with an accidental cough, it may be mistaken for pulmonary
consumption. This quick pulse is owing to the debility of the heart from
the want of stimulus occasioned by the deficiency of the quantity, and
acrimony of the blood.

M. M. Steel. Bitters. Constant moderate exercise. Friction with flannel all
over the body and limbs night and morning. Rhubarb five grains, opium half
a grain, every night. Flesh diet, with small beer, or wine and water. The
disease continues some months, but at length subsides by the treatment
above described. A bath of about eighty degrees, as Buxton Bath, is of
service; a colder bath may do great injury.

11. _Hydrocele._ Dropsy of the vagina testis. Dropsies have been divided
into the incysted and the diffused, meaning those of the cellular membrane,
the cells of which communicate with each other like a sponge, and those of
any other cavity of the body. The collections of mucous fluids in the
various cells and cavities of the body arise from the torpor of the
absorbent vessels of those parts. It is probable, that in dropsies attended
with great thirst the cutaneous absorbents become paralytic first; and then
from the great thirst, which is thus occasioned by the want of atmospheric
moisture, the absorption of the fat ensues; as in fevers attended with
great thirst, the fat is quickly taken up. See Obesitas I. 2. 3. 17. Some
have believed, that the cellular and adipose membranes are different ones;
as no fat is ever deposited in the eye-lids or scrotum, both which places
are very liable to be distended with the