180 LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 



quire whether some other part of the human body may not do 

 that important office. 



clearly proved that in this animal the chyle takes the usual course 

 through the lacteals and receptacle to the thoracic duct. MM. Flandrin 

 and Danger d confirm the fact of the absorption of poison from the in- 

 testines by branches of the portal vein ; and Dr. Handyside 6 made some 

 experiments, showing that the veins generally absorb various foreign 

 matters. A reference to his opinions, and to those of Dr. Carson/ will 

 show that there is still a doubt whether the colourless lymphatic ves- 

 sels absorb merely the effete or the nutritious elements of the body. 

 The lymphatics are not merely absorbents, for they alter the properties 

 of the fluid which they convey. Some interesting observations on the 

 functions of these vessels are given in the second Dr. Monro's 46th 

 Lecture. 8 



d Mr. Paget's Report, Br. and For. Med. f Notices of Communications to British 

 Rev. xix, 280. Association, August, 1836, p. 119. 



Notices of Communications to British Essays, &c. pp. 3 et seq., ed. by his Son 

 Association, August, 1835, p. 92. and Successor. 8vo, Edin. 1840. 



