that the previous exhaustion of
the patient during labour may contribute to its production; as well as the
absorption of a material not purulent but putrid; which is formed by the
delay of extravasated or dead matter produced by the bruises of the
omentum, or other viscera, in the efforts of parturition, rather than by
purulent matter, the consequence of suppuration. The pulse is generally
about 120 when in bed and in the morning; and is increased to 134, or more,
when the patient sits up, or in the evening paroxysm. The pulse of all very
weak patients increases in frequency when they sit up; because the
expenditure of sensorial power necessary to preserve an erect posture
deducts so much from their general strength; and hence the pulse becomes
weaker, and in consequence quicker. See Sect. XII. 1. 4.

In this fever time must be allowed for the absorption of the matter. Very
large and repeated quantities of the bark, by preventing sufficient food
from being taken, as bread, and wine, and water, I have thought has much
injured the patient; for the bark is not here given as in intermittent
fevers to prevent the paroxysm, but simply to strengthen the patient by
increasing the power of digestion. About two ounces of decoction of bark,
with four drops of laudanum, and a dram of sweet spirit of vitriol, once in
six hours, and a glass of wine between those times, with panada, or other
food, I have thought of most advantage, with a small blister occasionally.

Where not only the stomach but also the bowels are much distended with air,
so as to sound on striking them with the fingers, the case is always
dangerous, generally hopeless; which is more so in proportion to the
quickness of the pulse. Where the bowels are distended two drops of oil of
cinnamon should be given in the panada three or four times a day.

17. _Febris a sphacelo._ Fever from mortification. This fever from
absorption of putrid matter is of the inirritative or typhus kind. See the
preceding article.

M. M. Opium and the bark are frequently given in too great quantity, so as
to induce consequent debility, and to oppress the power of digestion.

* * * * *

ORDO I.

_Increased Sensation._

GENUS VII.

_With increased Action of the Organs of Sense._

SPECIES.

1. _Delirium febrile._ Paraphrosyne. The ideas in delirium consist of those
excited by the sensation of pleasure or pain, which precedes them, and the
trains of oth