- 1, to weaken the action of the heart, and the consequent force of the circulation; 2, to lessen the quantity of blood in the system; 3, to cause a derivation of blood from other parts to that whence the blood issues; 4, to promote absorption of medicines internally administered; 5, to impoverish the blood in the quantity of fibrin and globules. This point is best exemplified by the following table by Andral: -

A strong

man aged

After the

first bleeding.

After the

second bleeding.

After the

third bleeding.

Water........................

Globules and Fibrine..............

Albumen..................................

Salts, &c...................................

* Clin. Lect., vol. i. p. 486.