From reflecting on the frequent combinations of these and other
morbid states with splenic disease, we perceive more exactly the
mutual relations and unions existing between them, and this is
always an interestiag light in which to view disease. The chief
points of approach or contact to which our attention is directed, are
the occasional intermixture of splenic disease with disease more or
less extensive and confirmed of the absorbent system; the depressed
state of circulation occurring in severe affections of the spleen ; the
coincidence of splenic with hepatic disease ; its connection with de-
rangements of the peritoneum ; and some relation, though probably
only collateral, between that state of the kidneys which produces
albuminous urine and derangement of the spleen. By holding these
and such like points in our minds, we shall comprehend more fuUy
the possible value of the knowledge to be derived from following
out the history of the derangements of the spleen, than we should
by simply considering the morbid states of an organ of which so
little is known with certainty ; for the enumeration of morbid condi-
tions can at best only be viewed as forming an alphabet for the con-
struction of a language into which we may hereafter translate the
complicated and obscure legends of disease.
CHAPTER IV.
RENAL DISEASE.
