196 



Letters 



carried by the umbilical vein, should pass through the 

 liver, but that this should not happen when the foetus 

 is freed Irom the prison of the womb, and made inde- 

 pendent. Besides, the thoracic duct itself, and the 

 orifice by which it communicates with the subclavian 

 vein, appear too small and narrow to suffice for the 

 transmission of all the supplies required by the body. 

 And I have asked myself farther, why such numbers of 

 blood-vessels, arteries, and veins should be sent to the 

 intestines if there were nothing to be brought back 

 from thence? especially as these are mere membraneous 

 parts, and on this account require a smaller supply of 

 blood. 



These and other observations of the same tenor I 

 have already made, not as being obstinately wedded 

 to my own opinion, but that I might find out what 

 could reasonably be urged to the contrary by the 

 advocates of the new views. I am ready to award 

 the highest praise to Pecquet and others for their 

 singular industry in searching out the truth ; nor do 

 I doubt but that many things still lie hidden in 

 Democritus's well that are destined to be drawn up 

 into the light by the indefatigable diligence of coming 

 ages. So much do I say at this time, which, I trust, 

 with your known kindness, you will take in good part. 

 Farewell, learned friend ; live happily, and hold me 

 always 



Yours, most affectionately, 



WILLIAM HARVEY. 



London, 1st February, 1654-5. 



