406 THE LAWS OF ORGANIC 



that the coats of the vessels are subjected to the 

 modifications he imagines, I prefer regarding the 

 three periods of life as periods of constitutional 

 changes in the mode of circulation, and in the degree 

 of the vitality of the blood, independent of the orga- 

 nic alterations of ivhich he speaks. 



CCCCLXXXVII. In early life the circulation 

 is quick, frequent, and regular; the temperature 

 of the body is higher and more permanent than 

 that of the adult in the decline of years ; the 

 respirations are often repeated, and from the rest- 

 less mind of youth, and the variety of desires 

 and wants, the physical powers are continually 

 exercised. These conditions tend to develope 

 and strengthen the various organs of the body ; 

 the assimilating functions are more vigorous ; 

 and, from these causes, the whole arterial system 

 exhibits a degree of energy superior to that of the 

 veins. 



From the peculiarities of youth, the colour of 

 the countenance, the temperature of the body, 

 and its unceasing exercise, the conditions of the 

 circulation at this time of life are designated by 

 the term external, in contra-distinction to its ge- 

 neral distribution in the later stages of existence. 



Taking this view of the subject, epistaxis is 

 regarded as the effect of an increased action of the 

 whole sanguineous system, conjoined with a local de- 

 termination of blood greater than what is consistent 

 with the proper operation of the organic functions. 



