[f. as prec. + -ISM.]

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  1.  The theory which refers all diseases to the state of the fluids in the body.

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1835–6.  R. B. Todd, The Cyclopædia of Anatomy and Physiology, I. 416/1. The further we extend our knowledge of pathology, the less shall we feel inclined to admit the exclusive claims either of fluidism or solidism.

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1860.  Worcester, Fluidism, the doctrine of those who refer all diseases to alterations of the fluids of the body.

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  2.  Spiritualism. The hypothesis of the existence of supersensible ‘fluidic’ bodies (see FLUIDIC 2).

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  So Fluidist [see -IST], one who supports the hypothesis of fluidism (in either sense).

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1888.  Amer. Jrnl. Psychol., I. May, 500. All such facts favor the fluidists.

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