SENSE OF TOUCH. 173 



hence much fatigue produces a rapid absorption of it. It is 

 from this cause that animals who fast long, from the highest 

 state of obesity become wholly lean and impoverished : 

 thus the hybernating bear, who enters his wintry habitation 

 surrounded with an immense quantity of adeps, leaves it in 

 the spring greatly emaciated ; having been supported during 

 his torpidity by the absorption of animal oil, and not, as is 

 ^oilgarly supposed, by sucking his paws ; which probably are 

 only wrapped around his nose, but never enter his mouth. 

 Animals living a life of rest appear to have a tendency to 

 form fat, but not in an equal degree ; for, in addition to in- 

 action, there must also be a certain disposition to lay 

 on fat. A particular form of body is favourable to its 

 accumulation, of which the circular carcass is the best 

 example. 



Cellular membrane forms the innermost layer of almost 

 every part of the body. Its cells freely communicate with 

 each other throughout the whole body ; a fact well known 

 to butchers, who blow up the newly killed calf from anyone 

 point, until not only the surface, but even the viscera, be- 

 come distended by the air. This cellular structure is exem- 

 plified, likewise, by the emphysematous distention which 

 follows wounds of the lungs ; from which particular injuries 

 these cells have a disposition to inflate. Cellular membrane 

 is a more general substance than is supposed, for even liga- 

 ments are but a modification of it ; nor are aponeuroses, or 

 tendons, in any way dissimilar. We already know that it 

 exists in different quantities, in various structures, but enters 

 into all parts. It is the general connecting medium between 

 distinct parts ; it unites the skin to the body ; it enters into 

 the interstices of muscles ; it connects filamentary sub- 

 stances, and holds together the granulated : it is also 

 vascular and elastic. Anasarca has its seat within its cells ; 

 and its uses are various. Feeble as it seems, cellular tissue 

 holds the various structures together. By it nerves are 

 retained in cords ; by it arteries are confined ; by it muscles 

 are bound up ; and by it freedom and independence of 

 motion is secured. It is always most loose and abundant 

 where the action is most extensive or most frequent. 



