OP THE CELLULAR SYSTEM. 57 



bladder, &c. If the absorbents did not, by their fine- 

 ness, preclude demonstration, it would doubtless be 

 found that they have a cellular coat, as well as the blood- 

 vessels. 



Of the Cellular Texture embracing the Organs on all 

 tSides. 



Q. What organs are included here? 



ft. All except those already mentioned. 



Q. What are the effects of this cellular investment? 



ft. It insulates the several organs ; it insulates likewise 

 their vitality ; it forms a line of separation between them. 

 It sometimes prevents the extension of disease from one 

 organ to a contiguous one; as when the peritoneum is in- 

 flamed without the viscera being affected, or as when the 

 sub-cutaneous organs are healthy, while the skin is in 

 eruption. 



Q. Is this the only barrier to the extension of disease in 



these circumstances? 







*fl. No; the difference in the vital forces of different, 

 though contiguous organs, also prevents the extension of 

 disease. 



Q. But does this cellular investment always perform 

 the salutary office of arresting the spreading of diseased ac- 

 tion? 



ft.. It does not; for by taking on disease, it facilitates 

 its extension. 



Q. Can you illustrate the preceding answer? 



i#. The extension of tumours, that of phlegmon, and 

 that of rheumatism swelling a joint, are examples. 



8 



