Note 20 — Chapter IV

We should however, with the greater Circumspection (of how much the longer standing the Disease has been, and by how much the more difficult the viscous Humours are to be melted down and dislodged) attend to the Coction of the Matter of Expectoration; which Nature does not often easily effect, and which she effects the more imperfectly and slowly, the weaker he is. Her last Efforts have often been attended with such high Paroxysms, as have imposed even upon very competent Physicians, and have made them open a Vein a few Hours before the Patients' Death, from their Pulses being strong, hard and frequent. Excessive Weakness is the Sign, by which we may discover such unavailing Efforts to be the last. E. L.