68 



less vessels, enclosed hi a double membrane; it is 

 placed on the left side, between the sltort ribs and 

 the stomach. Some suppose it to secrete a peculiar 

 juice, which passes with the blood through the vena 

 porta. Others imagine it to be a kind of reservoir, 

 wherein on extraordinary occasions, that blood may 

 be received, which would otherwise oppress the viscera 

 uud disturb the animal functions. 



47. On the muscles of the loins on each side lie 

 the Kidneys, to separate from the blood that part of 

 the serum which is superfluous, and would be hurtful 

 were it retained in the habit. This is carried by the 

 ureters into the bladder,which is placed in the lowest 

 part of the belly. What remains of the blood is con 

 veyed to the heart by the veins and lymphatic vessels. 



The bladder is composed of three coats, the first is 

 an extension of the peritoneum ; the second consists 

 of muscular fibres ; the third is both glanduious and 

 nervous, and full of wrinkles, that it may be capable 

 of contraction and dilatation. Its glands separate a 

 slimy matter, which defends the bladder from the 

 acrimony of the urine. The involuntary emission of 

 this is prevented by a small vessel which goes round 

 the neck of the bladder. 



48. We proceed to 'the limbs. The hand (physi- 

 cally speaking) is divided into the arm, (he cubit, 

 and the hand, properly so called. In this there are 

 twelve l)ones, besides fifteen in the fingers, all oblong, 

 slender, hollow, and so fitly joined together by liga- 

 ments, so wonderfully provided with various muscles, 

 adapted to so many different motions, that the hand 

 alone gives us an abundant argument of the admirable 

 wisdom of God. 



Is there any possibility that the vant of so neces* 

 sary an instrument as the arm should be supplied? One 

 would think it impossible. But it is not : such is the 

 amazing power of God ! James WftJker was born in 



