Common sense, or, the Abernethian code of health and longevity : founded on the principles and practice of John Abernethy.

Date:
1830
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Common sense, or, the Abernethian code of health and longevity : founded on the principles and practice of John Abernethy. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    PRINCIPAL FUNCTIONS OF THE SYSTEM. Generation of the blood in man, and in all animals, is the grand design for which the preparatory organs are arranged, and the trans- mission of this living fluid through its various channels, for special purposes, constitutes the entire economy of the system. From the blood every part of the body is originally produced: this is done while in the womb, by means of the circulation in the mother; and it is only after birth, when the lungs are expanded, as an essential and primary function to the circulation of tbe blood, that man depends for the continuance of existence and health on its powers during the remainder of life.* In order to a complete and healthy formation of the blood, three important functions must be always regularly and correctly carried on. Fir&ty The functions of the digestive organs to prepare and assi- milate healthy nourishment. Secondly, The functions of the bowels and their appendages, to separate and carry off the useless part received; and Thirdlyy The functions of the pulmonary system, or the lungs, to inhale that essential matter which gives colour and vitality to the blood, thereby completing it; and to remove also that matter again in its effete state, after the expenditure of its vital principle. Though there are these three important functions necessary to the proper regulation of the blood, yet only the two first come directly ♦ The redness of the blood is of great use towards the knowledge of diseases; many inflammations are known by it, when on the skin, and even the kind of inflammation is distinguished by the kind of redness; also putrid diseases are distinguished when the blood is ex- travasated. The quantity in the face is a sign of health or disease.