Medicine'. 20$ 



Hal canal, fmm the skin, and from all the internal 

 cavities and surfaces." 



The discovery of the absorbent system is justly 

 considered as the greatest that anatomy has sug- 

 gested since that of the circulation of the blood. 

 The advantages "Vvhich arise from the know- 

 ledge of the structure and office of this system of 

 vessels in establishing physiological principles, 

 and in ascertaining the nature and treatment of 

 diseases, are universally admitted. Before the 

 discovery of the lymphatics being a system of ab- 

 sorbents, it was impossible to give a clear and 

 consistent account of a great number of phenomena 

 w^hich are now satisfactorily unfolded. From this 

 source much knowledge has been obtained con- 

 cerning the introduction and effects of poisons^ 

 and, aided by this light, physicians are enabled to 

 trace many diseases directly to their causes, to ex^ 

 plain the assemblage and succession of symptoms, 

 and to apply remedies with more prompt and ap- 

 propriate efficacy. On this account physicians of 

 learning and judgment have not been wanting who- 

 pronounce the solid and practical usefulness of this 

 discovery even to exceed that of the circulation of 

 the blood. 



But whatever may be the comparative estimate 

 of the two discoveries in relation to one another, it 

 is plain that they are both the most memorable 



« A warm controversy, concerning the discovery of the true use of the 

 lymphatics, was carried on between Dr. Hunter and Dr. Monro. The 

 former asserts that he taught it in his lectures so early as 1746, and appeals 

 to his pupils for the truth of the assertion. The latter seems to have made 

 the discovery in 17J3; and in I755 published an account of it in a thesis 

 De Tesiibus in Variis Animalibus. Before the publication of this thesis Dr. 

 Black is said to have informed the author that the same opinions concern- 

 ing the valvular lymphatics had been long entertained by Dr. Hunter. 

 In 1756 Dr. Monro attended Dr. Hunter's lectures in London; heart] 

 the whole doctrine of the lymphatics very amply explained; and in 1757 

 reprinted his opinion at Berlin, without taking notice of Dr. Hunter's, 

 who, in consequence, charges him with plagi^risro ; a»d the charge is re; 

 tortedby Dr. Monro. 



