XXVII. On the early stages of inflammation

In this communication the author gives an account of an investigation with which he has been recently occupied, into the process of inflammation in the Frog’s foot. The paper is divided into four sections, with an introduction and conclusion. In the introduction it is observed, that “so far from our knowledge of inflammation being in a satisfactory condition, authorities are at variance upon the fundamental question whether it is to be regarded, in accordance with John Hunter’s opinion, as active in its nature, and consisting in an exaltation of the functions of the affected part, or whether it should not rather be considered a passive result of diminished functional activityIn seeking for the solution of this great problem, we cannot expect to gain much from the contemplation of the more advanced stages of inflammationIt is upon the first deviations from health that the essential character of the morbid state will be most unequivocally stamped, and it is therefore to the early stages of inflammation that our attention must be chiefly directed.”