ABSORBENT SYSTEM. 169 



sorbent system; at that period of life, the functions of this 

 system, whatever they may be, are in great activity, and 

 there is great disposition to disease at the same time. 



Q. What period of life limits the predominance of the 

 lymphatic glands ? 



A. Puberty. 



Q. At what ages do external absorption and nutritive 

 absorption predominate ? 



/?. In childhood and youth the external absorbents are 

 most active; in advanced life the nutritive absorption is 

 greatest. 



Q. Explain this expression, nutritive absorption. 



A. By it is meant that preponderance of absorption in 

 advanced life over nutrition, which leads to the emaciation 

 of age. 



Q. Why do encysted tumours increase so regularly, 

 and in some cases so rapidly? 



t/2. Because absorption in them is feeble compared to 

 exhalation. 



Q. What, according to Beclard, is the actual structure 

 of a gland ? 



*#. There are vessels going to and from the gland; they 

 communicate as the veins and arteries do; and there are 

 little cavities or sacs somewhat resembling the cells of 

 the erectile textures. 



Q. Is it certain that, as Bichat thinks, the absorbents 

 do not possess sensible organic contractility ? 



/?. German physiologists have ascertained that certain 

 irritants occasion a contraction of the thoracic duct; and 

 as this does not result from the horny hardening, it is le- 

 gitimately ascribed to sensible organic contractility. 



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