Oedema resulting from artificial elevation of the venous pressure

1. A method of measuring the change in limb volume produced by elevation of the venous pressure is described. 2. The experimental use of this method indicates that marked individual variation occurs in the swelling resulting from an elevation of the venous pressure to 60 mm.Hg., but that in the same individual, the rate of swelling is virtually constant. 3. Evidence is adduced in support of the contention that tissue tension plays a significant part in limiting oedema formation. 4. Changes in the rate of swelling in relation to posture are discussed, and the failure of partial anoxaemia to affect the rate of swelling is noted. 5. A brief survey of previous observations in the same field is given. Certain criticisms of these observations and the conclusions drawn therefrom are offered.