Inflammation is said to have several different terminations; or, in other words, we may say that after this process has continued for a certain time, it either subsides entirely, occasions the formation of pus with or without ulceration, or completely destroys the vitality of the part. Before the inflammation has reached its greatest height, and any considerable change of structure has taken place, it may gradu ally subside.

The quickness of the circulation begins to decrease at the circumference, and there is a reflux of blood toward the centre. A thin, serous, or sanguineous fluid is poured out on the surface, or in the cellular texture of the part, and from secreting surfaces there may be a profuse exhalation of fluids. The small coagula of lymph and blood contained within the vessels, or deposited in the parenchyma, are softened and removed.

When inflammation is to end in this manner, the pain, heat, redness, and swelling subside, the fever and every other symptom gradually abate, till at last the part is wholly restored to its natural size and colour. This termination of inflammation is termed resolution. If, however, notwithstanding the application of the usual remedies, the several symptoms of heat, pain, and redness, instead of diminishing rather increase, if the febrile symptoms are likewise augmented, and the part gradually acquires a larger size, tarns soft, somewhat prominent in the middle or towards its most depending part; if it should next acquire a clear shining appearance and become less painful, the different symptoms of fever being at the same time diminished, and a fluctuation perceptible - the inflammation has ended in suppuration, the fluid termed pus having now been formed.

The worst consequence of common inflammation is the death or mortification of the part affected. In the microscopical experiments of Dr. Hastings it was observed that on the approach of gangrene the blood entirely loses its red colour, and acquires a yellowish-brown tinge. The part which was of a bright red becomes of a livid hue; small vesicles filled with thin fetid serum arise on its surface, and air is plainly felt within the cellular membrane. The pain is indeed diminished, the pulse sinks, and the part becomes black.

The adhesion of contiguous surfaces to one another so often exemplified in the serous membranes of the chest and abdomen is also sometimes spoken of as another termination of inflammation. However, in numerous instances inflammation is a salutary process, inasmuch as it acts in preventing, repairing, or removing the consequences of injury or disease. But it is also a noteworthy fact that the great majority of diseases begin with, end with, or are connected with the effects of inflammation in some manner or another. Hence the necessity of knowing its progress in all its stages.