ABSORPTION THROUGH SKIN-THORACIC DUCT. 199 
considerable amount. Thus there is a case recorded by Dr. 
Currie, of a patient who suffered under obstruction of the 
gullet, of such a kind that no nutriment, either solid or fluid, 
could be received into the stomach; and who was supported 
for some weeks by immersion of his body in milk and water, 
and by the introduction of nutritive liquids into the lower 
end of the intestine. During this time, his weight did not 
diminish; and it was calculated by Dr. Currie, that from one 
to two pints of fluid must have been daily absorbed through 
the skin. The patient’s thirst, which had been very trouble¬ 
some previously to the adoption of this plan, was removed by 
the bath, in which he experienced the most refreshing sensa¬ 
tions.—It is well known that shipwrecked sailors and others, 
who are suffering from thirst owing to the want of fresh 
water, find it greatly alleviated, or altogether relieved, by 
dipping their clothes into the sea, and putting them on whilst 
still wet. 
221. From the receptacle into which the chyle, and a con¬ 
siderable proportion of the contents of the lymphatics, are 
delivered, a tube passes upwards in front of the spine (fig. 
114); and this tube, called the Thoracic Duct, conveys these 
nutritious fluids to the point where they are to be delivered 
into the current of blood. This delivery takes place at 4he 
angle where two great veins unite,—a point at which there is 
less resistance than in any other part of their walls. These 
veins are the Jugular, which brings the blood from the neck, 
and the Subclavian, which conveys it from the arm, of the 
right side (fig. 122); on the left side there is a smaller duct, 
which receives some of the lymphatics of the left side, and 
opens into the blood-vessels at a corresponding point between 
the left jugular and subclavian veins. 
Sanguification . 
222. The Chyle of Yertebrated animals, as taken-up by the 
lacteals, may be regarded as blood in an early stage of its 
formation, with a large excess of fatty matter. It contains 
about 90 parts of water in 100; about 3| parts of albumen, 
and the same of fat; and about 3 parts of other animal and 
saline matter. Its appearance and characters differ, according 
to the part of the lacteal system from which it is drawn. If 
obtained near the surface of the intestines, before it has passed 
