508 ARRANGEMENT OF THE LYMPHATIC [sect. 2 1 8. 



with still finer, more rectangular and radiating twigs, and dip into 

 the septa of connective tissue. Thus far the afferent lymphatics 

 are easily traced, but it is extremely difficult to follow them in 

 their further course inwards. After repeated and continuous study 

 of these organs, I find reason to adhere to the opinion, expressed 

 in the first edition of my German handbook, and confirmed by 

 the recent statements of Ludwig and Noll, to the effect that 

 the finest branches of the vasa inferentia open into the alveoli of 

 the cortex, inasmuch as in successful injections from the vessels 

 in question, first the alveoli, and then the vessels of the 

 medulla and the vasa efferentia become filled. But, on con- 

 sideration of our more advanced knowledge of the contents of 

 the alveoli, I would add to this opinion, that the interior of the 

 alveoli is not to be considered as a simple large space traversed by 

 the lymph, but rather as a corpus cavernosum lympliaticum, if we 

 may venture to give it such a name. With respect to the mode of 

 connection of the finest vasa inferentia with the spongy tissue of the 

 alveoli, I have not yet been able to obtain any microscopical data, 

 yet I do not believe that this circumstance constitutes a valid 

 reason for relinquishing the assumption, which is supported by so 

 numerous other facts, that the vasa inferentia open into the mesh- 

 work of the alveoli. Has any one even in the corpora cavernosa of 

 the sexual organs, been able directly to observe the connection 

 of the arteries and of the venous spaces ? Yet here the tissue is not 

 nearly so delicate, and all the conditions . are much more easy of 

 investigation than in the lymphatic glands. Of the circulation 

 of the lymph in these glands, I can only affirm that the finest 

 branches of the vasa inferentia are seen to be true vessels, o - oo8'" 

 to croi"' broad, of the structure of the larger capillaries of the 

 blood-vascular system ; on microscopical investigation of the cor- 

 tex, they not unfrequently come to view, and are readily dis- 

 tinguished from the blood-vessels by the colourless cells filling 

 them. Again, I have satisfied myself that the alveoli contain no 

 lymphatic vessels ; and lastly, that the numerous cells and nuclei 

 contained in them do undoubtedly lie free in the mesh-work. 

 Now, if we also take into account the results of injections, I think 

 we shall be warranted in assuming, that the vasa inferentia in man, 

 after they have become attenuated to the size mentioned, open 

 freely into the spongy tissue of the alveoli; and that this tissue, 

 from its possessing no trace of epithelial lining in its spaces, is to 

 be regarded as a true lacunar system. 



On the relation of the spongy tissue of the cortex to the in- 



