OF THE FAT. 295 



by the laminae of the tela, in a manner not unlike that 

 in which the vitreous humour of the eye is contained in 

 very similar cells. 



484. The relation of fat to different parts is various. 

 In the first place, some jjarts, even those whose mucous 

 tela is extremely soft and delicate, never contain fat. 

 Such are the palpebral and penis. 



In very many parts, it is diffused indefinitely, espe- 

 cially in the panniculns adiposus, the interstices of the 

 muscles, &c. 



In some few, it is always found, and appears to be 

 contained in certain definite spaces, and destined for 

 particular purposes. Such I consider the fat around 

 the basis of the heart : * and in the mons veneris, where 

 it forms a peculiar and circumscribed lump.f 



485. Its consistence varies in different parts. More 

 fluid in the orbit, it is harder and more like suet around 

 the kidneys. 



486. It is of late formation in the foetus ; scarcely 

 any trace of its existence is discoverable before the 

 fifth month after conception. 



487. There have been controversies respecting the 

 mode of its secretion: some, as Hunter, contending 

 that it is formed by peculiar glands; others, that it 

 merely transudes from the arteries. Besides other ar- 

 guments in favour of the latter opinion, we may urge 

 the morbid existence of fat in parts naturally destitute 



* Hence it is clear how many exceptions must be made to the assertion of 

 the celebrated Fourcroy, — that fat is an oily matter, formed at the extremities 

 of arteries, and at the greatest distance from the centre of motion and animal 

 heat. See Ids Philosophie Chimique. p. 112. 



t I found it still more distinct in the body of a female of the species simia 

 rynomolgut, from which, by means of cold, I was able to remove it entire. 



