ries; and of a
succeeding orgasm of the capillaries, the torpor of the heart and arteries
continuing. But as the frequency of the pulse occurs both in the state of
torpor, and in that of orgasm, of the heart and arteries; this constitutes
a criterion to distinguish fever from other diseases, which are owing to
the torpor of some parts of the system, as paresis, and hemicrania.

7. The reader will please to observe, that where the cutaneous or pulmonary
capillaries are mentioned, their mucous and perspirative glands are to be
understood as included; but that the absorbents belonging to those systems
of vessels, and the commencement of the veins, are not always included; as
these are liable to torpor separately, as in anasarca, and petechiae; or to
orgasm, or increased action, as in the exhibition of strong emetics, or in
the application of vinegar to the lips; yet he will also please to observe,
that an increased or decreased action of these absorbents and veins
generally occurs along with that of the capillaries, as appears by the dry
skin in hot fits of fever; and from there being generally at the same time
no accumulation of venous blood in the cutaneous vessels, which would
appear by its purple colour.

II. _Compound fever._

1. When other parts of the system sympathize with this torpor and orgasm of
the cutaneous capillaries, and of the heart and arteries; the fever-fit
becomes more complicated and dangerous; and this in proportion to the
number and consequence of such affected parts. Thus if the lungs become
affected, as in going into very cold water, a shortness of breath occurs;
which is owing to the collapse or inactivity (not to the active
contraction, or spasm), of the pulmonary capillaries; which, as the lungs
are not sensible to cold, are not subject to painful sensation, and
consequent shuddering, like the skin. In this case after a time the
pulmonary capillaries, like the cutaneous ones, act with increased energy;
the breathing, which was before quick, and the air thrown out at each
respiration in less quantity, and cool to the back of the hand opposed to
it, now becomes larger in quantity, and warmer than natural; which however
is not accompanied with the sensation of heat in the membrane, which lines
the air-vessels of the lungs, as in the skin.

2. One consequence of this increased heat of the breath is the increased
evaporation of the mucus on the tongue and nostrils. A viscid material is
secreted b