OF THE MUCOUS WEB. 15 



serves for separation from other parts ; to the Vessels 

 and nerves for support ; and to every part it acts as 

 the common medium of connection. 



24. From these facts, two inferences may be drawn. 

 First : That this membrane is so fundamental a consti- 

 tuent of our structure, that, were every other part re- 

 moved, the body would still retain its form. 



Secondly: That it forms a connection between all 

 parts of the system, however different from each other 

 in nature or remote in situation : — a, circumstance 

 worthy of attention, as putting an end to the verbal 

 disputes respecting the continuation of membranes, and 

 affording an explanation of many morbid phenomena. 



25. As most of the solids owe their existence to this 

 membrane, so again its origin is derived from the lymph 

 of the blood. I have found the lymph changed into 

 this membrane, when transuded on the surface of in- 

 flamed lungs, and, by forming false membranes, it 

 afterwards unites these organs to the pleura. 



26. We shall now consider some varieties of this 

 membrane. In general, it is more delicate, capteris pa- 

 ribus, in man than in animals, — a distinguishing prero- 

 gative, by which our sense is rendered more delicate, 

 and our motions and other functions more perfect.* 

 Among different individuals, it varies much in laxity 

 and firmness, according to age, sex, temperament, mode 

 of life, climate, &c. 



Finally, it varies in different parts ; — more lax in the 

 palpebral and preputium, and behind the fraenum of the 

 tongue ; less so around the ears. 



* I have treated this point at large in my work, De Ge?ia'ii Humani varie- 

 tate nativa. p. 4fi. edit. 3. 



i 



