OF THE VEINS. 343 



XXIII. 



OF THE VEINS. 



Our author has taken up the notion, w^hich in- 

 deed is conveyed in anatomical books, that the 

 veins are irregular in their form and course. We 

 hold this to be a dangerous admission ; first, be- 

 cause it leads to the supposition that there is a 

 certain imperfection, and as it w^ere negligence, in 

 the structure of the frame ; and secondly, because 

 it induces the inquirer to be satisfied with a very 

 superficial survey. The veins are considered as 

 mere conduit-pipes, to carry back the blood from 

 all parts of the body to the heart. But they are 

 much more; they are reservoirs. Where could 

 that large proportion of blood which is necessary, 

 be deposited with more safety to life, than in those 

 recesses or interstices left by the bones and mus- 

 cles of the body ? But whilst this object is secured, 

 another more important one is attained by the 

 turning and twisting of the veins into the crevices 

 and unoccupied spaces : for they become thus lia- 

 ble to be pressed by the action of the muscles ; and 

 so it comes about that the blood is permitted to move 

 on slowly in these recesses whilst we lie inactive, 

 but when we are are aroused into action, it is pressed 



