430 ABSORPTION. 



rioles, and apply themselves indistinctly in the form of a 

 concentric demi-canal upon each capillary, then the lym- 

 phatic is detached little by little from the vessel which 

 it accompanies, and possesses a proper individuality (auto- 

 nomie) (Cours de CH. ROBIN)." x Robin alludes to this as 

 the general mode of origin of the lymphatics, and mentions 

 " the impossibility of capillary rupture or capillary exosmosis 

 without communication with the lymphatics when they ex- 

 ist." 3 But in a recent publication on the lymphatic system 

 of the torpedo, he describes this disposition of the lymphat- 

 ics around the small arteries, in fishes, reptiles, and batra- 

 chians, without applying it distinctly to the human subject. 3 

 Robin has described a peculiar mode of origin in the lym- 

 phatics of the brain and spinal cord, which will be referred 

 to in connection with the mode of origin of the lymphatics 

 in particular parts. 



In the general description of the lymphatic system, three 

 sets of vessels are usually recognized : the plexus situated on 

 the general surface ; the deep vessels ; and those coming from 

 the small intestine, ordinarily called lacteals. 



The superficial vessels have the smallest diameter, and 

 are by far the most numerous. They are composed of the 

 fine plexus already mentioned, very superficially situated in 

 the skin, and a second plexus just below the skin, composed 

 of vessels of much greater diameter. The skin is thus en- 

 closed, as ifc were, between two plexuses of capillary lym- 

 phatics. A plexus analogous to the most superficial plexus 

 of the skin is found just beneath the surface of the mucous 

 membranes. These may, indeed, be classed with the super- 

 ficial lymphatics. 



The deep lymphatics are much larger and less numerous, 

 and their origin is less easily made out. These accompany 



1 LABEDA, op. cit., p. 27. 



2 ROBIN, Programme du Cours d 1 Histologie, Paris, 1864, p. 210. 



3 ROBIN, Memoire sur V Anatomic des Lymphatiques des Torpilles. Journal de 

 de V Anatomic et de la Physiologie, Paris, 1867, tome iv., p. 3 et seq. 



