FEVER

(Lat. febris.) A disease, one of the most general symptoms of which is increased heat of the body. The temperature is often actually higher than it should be; and often the sensations of heat, dryne , and even burning of the skin, are exce ive, independent of any proportional increase of thermometric heat. The subject of fever has given rise to an infinity of medical discu ion and theory; and the definitions of the disease, given by different writers, are not le varied than numerous. In fevers there is generally great onstitutional derangement, unaccompanied by local or perceptible organic disease. Fevers generally begin with languor of body and mind; chilline , amounting to shivering, though the skin often at the same time feels hot; the pulse is quicker than it should be; respiration hurried or laboured; pains are complained of in various parts, and especially about the head, back, and loins; the appetite falls off, or there is nausea and vomiting; the mouth is dry; the bowels generally constipated; and the urine small in quantity and deep in colour. These, which constitute the first stage of or- 453 [s. 466]