89 



not, like several of the veins, near the surface, but 

 placed at a proper depth. And hereby they are more 

 secure from external injuries. In those parts which 

 are most liable to pressure, an admirable expedient 

 takes place. The arteries inosculate with each other: 

 breaking into a new track, they fetch a little circuit, 

 and afterwards return into the main road. So that if 

 any thing block up or straiten the direct passage, the 

 Current, by diverting to this new channel, eludes the 

 impediment, flows on, and soon regains its wonted 

 course. 



The veins receive the blood from the arteries, and 

 reconvey it to the heart. The pressure of tne blood 

 is not near so forcible in these as in the arteries* 

 Therefore their texture is considerably slighter. Such 

 an exact (economist is nature, amidst all her libera- 

 lity ! In many of these canals, the current, though 

 widening continually, is obliged to push its way 

 against the perpendicular : hereby it is exposed to 

 the danger of failing buck and overloading the ves- 

 sels. To prevent this, valves are interposed at pro- 

 per distaaces, which are no hindrance to the regular 

 passage, but prevent the reflux, and facilitate the pas- 

 sage of the blood to the grand receptacle. But these 

 valves are only where the blood is constrained to 

 climb : where the ascent ceas^s^ they cease also. 



Here are glands to filtrate the passing fluids: each 

 of which is an assemblage of vessels, complicated with 

 seeming confusion, but with perfect regularity. Each 

 forms a secretion far more curious than the most ad- 

 mired operations of chymisiy : muscL-s. composed of 

 the finest fibres, yet endued with incredible strength, 

 fashioned after a variety of patterns, but ail in the 

 highest taste for elegance and convenience. These 

 are the instruments of motion, and at the command 

 of the will, execute their functions as quick as light^. 

 nin^ : nerve* snrprisirgly minus 2, which set the 

 muscles at work, diffuse -the power of sensation 

 through the body, and upon any impression from with- 

 *,utj give all needful intelligence to the soul ; vesicles^ 



