[p. 313]
from a thin, slender membrane, having no depth, like that
which lines the chest, so much pus should flow; for in many
cases there is a great collection. The cause is an inflammation
from redundancy of blood, by which the membrane is
thickened; but from much blood much pus is formed intermediately.
But if it be determined inwards, the ribs being
the bones in this region. . . . . . . I have said above, that
another species of phthisis would naturally occur. But if it
point outwards, the bones are separated, for the top of the
abscess is raised in one of the intercostal spaces, when the ribs
are pushed to this side or to that.
There are certain symptoms common to all, and certain ones
peculiar to each. A heaviness rather than pain is a common
symptom (for the lungs are insensible), weak fevers, rigor
towards evening, sweats in the remission, insomnolency,
swellings in the extremities of the feet, and fingers of the
hands, which at one time abate and at another increase;
uncomfortable feeling; loss of appetite; wasting of the whole
body; and if the change be prolonged, the phthisical habit
is formed; for Nature can no longer perform her office, for
the digestion is not as before, nor is there the plump habit of
body; the colour dark; respiration in all cases bad, but worse
in those affecting the upper cavity; but also cough at first
as long as the inflammation is urgent, when the pains also are
greater, and rigor, and heat, and watchfulness, and dyspnœa
still more; pulse small, sluggish, feeble; they are disordered
in the intellect; distension of the thorax.
But if it be already come to the formation of pus, all the
the greatest symptoms take place. Expectoration small with
greater cough, and from an urgent abscess, at first of pituitous
matters, tinged with bile of a darker colour as if from soot,
but likewise tinged with blood, and thick; but if about to
burst, of fleshy and deep-seated matter. And, if it burst,
there is danger of suffocation should much pus be suddenly
