1 §^ On tile, Hktory and Progress of Comparative Anatomy. 



len gives correct views of the structure and distribution of the 

 peritoneum and omentum, and distinguishes accurately the se- 

 veral divisions of the alimentary canal, and the internal struc- 

 ture of its component tissues. In the Uver, which he allows to 

 receive an, envelope from the peritoneum, he admits, in imitation 

 of Erasistratus, a proper substance or parenchyma^ interposed 

 between the vessels, and capable of removal by suitable dissection. 



His description of the organs of generation is rather brief, 

 and is, like most of his anatomical sketches, too much blended 

 with physiological dogmas. 



This short sketch may communicate some idea of the condi- 

 tion of anatomical knowledge in the days of Galen, who indeed 

 is justly entitled to the character of rectifying and digesting, if 

 not of creating, the science of anatomy among the ancients. 

 Though evidently confined, perhaps entirely, by the circum- 

 stances of the times, to the dissection of brute animals, so inde- 

 fatigable and judicious was he in the mode of acquiring know- 

 ledge, that many of his names and distinctions are still retained 

 with advantage in the writings of the moderns. Galen was a 

 practical anatomist, and not only describes the organs of the 

 animal body from actual dissection, but gives ample instructions 

 for the proper mode of exposition. His language is in general 

 clear, his style as correct as in most of the authors of the same 

 period, and his manner is animated. He appears to have been 

 the first anatomist who can be said, on authentic grounds, to 

 have attempted to discover the uses of organs by vivisection and 

 experiments on living animals. In this manner, he determined 

 the position, and demonstrated the action, of the heart ; and he 

 mentions two instances in which, in consequence of disease or in- 

 jury, he had an opportunity of observing the motions of this or- 

 gan in the human body. In short, without eulogizing an ancient 

 author at the expense of critical justice, or commending his ana- 

 tomical descriptions as superior to those of the moderns, it must 

 be admitted that the anatomical writings of the physician of 

 Pergamus form a remarkable era in the history of the science ; 

 and that, by diligence in dissection, and accuracy in description, 

 he gave it a degree of stabiUty and precision which it has re- 

 tained through the lapse of many centuries. 

 (To be continued.) 



