Direct depletion is accomplished either by the elimination of the liquid parts of the blood through the different secretory functions, or by bleeding. in relation to the former measure, nothing need be said here; as the subject will be fully considered under the several classes of medicines, the special effect of which is to increase the secretions, as the purgatives, diaphoretics, etc. in this place our observations will be confined to bleeding as a direct depletory measure. This is a sedative remedy of vast importance. That it is sedative, follows necessarily the admission of the fact, that it is the blood which, by its excitant and nutrient qualities, supports all the functions, and without which they must all instantaneously fail. it would seem, moreover, to follow no less necessarily that it is a universal sedative. As all the functions are sustained by it, all should be depressed by its diminution. This conclusion of the judgment is true, in fact, whenever a proper balance is maintained in the exercise of the functions; but it will be seen, after a brief examination of the subject, that, under certain circumstances, bleeding is capable of acting indirectly as a powerful excitant; and this must be thoroughly understood before the measure can be employed with due discrimination as a therapeutic agent.