OP THE CELLULAR SYSTEM. 75 



.#. The cellular. They resemble the serous membranes, 

 and they are cellular. 



Q. What analogies prove the identity of cysts and se- 

 rous membranes? 



.#. Their conformation: their structure, for maceration 

 and inflation prove cysts to be cellular; they have few 

 blood-vessels and many exhalents. The vital properties 

 prove the identity ; they are, in a natural state, destitute 

 of animal sensibility, but, like serous membranes, when 

 inflamed they have it exquisitely; cysts have much or- 

 ganic sensibility. The functions of cysts confirm the iden- 

 tity, these are absorption and exhalation. Diseases prove 

 the similarity, their pathological states resemble those of 

 serous membranes. 



Q. Can you demonstrate that absorption takes place in 

 cysts? 



/#. If it does not, how are the fluids in encysted dropsy 

 removed ? 



Q. How are cysts formed? 



#. Not, as is commonly supposed, by the gradual de- 

 position of a fluid in a cell of the cellular texture, but by 

 a departure from the common process of increase in the 

 tissue which they resemble; and in which these cysts are 

 formed. 



Q. What relation then is there between the growth of 

 a cyst, and the increase of the fluid contained ? 



A. The membranous sac is first deposited; the exhalents 

 begin to throw out fluid, and as these vessels increase in 

 the membrane the fluid is increased, and consequently the 

 encysted tumour enlarges. 



