Sect. I.] Anatovii/. 20? 



The discovery of the absorbent system is justly 

 considered as the greatest that anatomy has sug<;cst- 

 ed since that of the circulation of the blood. The 

 advantages which arise from the knowledge of the 

 structure and office of this system of vessels, in esta- 

 bhshing physiological principles, and in ascertaining 

 the nature and treatment of diseases, are universally 

 admitted. Before the discovery of the lym])hatics 

 being a system of absorbents, it was impossible to 

 give a clear and consistent account of a great 

 number of phenomena which are now satisfactorily 

 unfolded. From this source much knowledge has 

 been obtained concerning the introduction and ef- 

 fects of poisons; and, aided by this light, physicians 

 are enabled to trace many diseases directly to their 

 causes, to explain the assemblage and succession of 

 symptoms, and to apply remedies with more prompt 

 and appropriate efficacy. On this account physicians 

 of learning and judgement 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 arc both the most memorable 



tion. The latter seems to have made the discoveiy in 1753 j and 

 in 1755 published an account of it in a thesis De Ttstibus in Variis 

 Animal ibus. Before the publication of this tJicsis, Dr. Black is 

 said to have informed the author that the same opinions concerning 

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

 In 1756 Dr. Monro attended Dr. Hunter's lectures in Lon- 

 don J heard the whole doctrine of the lymphatics very amply 

 explained J and in 1/57 reprinted his opinion at Berlin, witlv nit 

 taking notice of Di. Hunter's, who, in consequence, charges him 

 with plagiarism j and Uie charge is retorted by Dr. Monro. 



