OF THE COMMON ADIPOSE TISSUE. 133 



The cellular tissue becomes more distinct between the adipose 

 grains and very apparent between the masses, the latter, in 

 some places, even being separated by strong fibrous laminae, 

 as may be seen in the sole of the foot, and whose use is to give a 

 high degree of elasticity to the fat. In other places, the adipose 

 masses are united and supported by firm cellular laminae, 

 as in the cranium, back, &c. in others by a lax tissue as in 

 the groin, &c. In order, however, to have a distinct view of 

 the cellular tissue that is situated between the fatty lobes, we 

 must examine it in subjects affected with anasarca or emphy- 

 sema: by this examination we shall also be convinced, that 

 the fat is not free in the areolse of the cellular tissue; for how- 

 ever extensive, however deep be these infiltrations, they may 

 separate, even dissect, as it were, the adipose grains, but the 

 fat is never mixed with the infiltrated fluid. 



The blood vessels of the fatty tissue are injected with ease. 

 They are also very visible when we examine those parts, 

 where the blood that remains fluid has been naturally carried 

 after death. These vessels are most apparent in old persons, 

 the fatty lobules being more distinct. Their divisions and 

 sub-divisions end in microscopic vesicles. Malpighi once 

 thought that these vessels were surmounted with a secretory 

 apparatus, and a duct which emptied into the reservoir of the 

 fat; he afterwards discovered and acknowledged that this dis- 

 position did not exist. The absorbent vessels of the vesicles 

 are less known than the veins and arteries. Mascagni, it is 

 true, says they are composed of an internal layer of lympha- 

 tic vessels, and of an external one of blood vessels; but he 

 produces no fact in support of this opinion. It is not known 

 whether or not these vesicles have nerves. 



When there is no fat, there are no vesicles. When this 

 fluid ceases to exist in a part, they disappear. Hunter says, 

 however, that they may be distinguished even when empty; 

 but I do not think this is so. Where they disappear, they 

 become confounded with the cellular element. 



162. Human fat, extracted from the fatty tissue which 

 contains it, and purified, by washing, fusion and filtration, 

 has the general properties of fixed oils. It is inodorous, and 



