PHLEBITIS.

1. Phlebitis.—The internal surface of the whole vascular system, by which it comes in contact with the blood, is lined with a delicate serous membrane, which is the seat of several interesting diseases. That portion of it which lines the cavities of the heart, is liable to become inflamed from rheumatism and other causes, and thus is laid the foundation of most of the organic diseases of this organ. The lining membrane of the arteries is also the seat of inflammation in the disease called the dry gangrene, and in other cases, its inflammation causes the deposition of calcareous and cartilaginous matters which terminates in the production of aneurisms. The lining mem­ brane of the veins is even more than the preceding liable to inflammation from mechanical injuries, surgical operations and other causes, and a train of morbid phenomena is thereby in­ duced which has not been well understood until of late years. The effects of Phlebitis are of entirely different character accordingly, as it terminates by adhesion, or passes on to suppuration.