NATURAL THEOLOGY. 55 



and permits a constant renewal from the fountain. 



Fit 



7. 



A reservoir for water — exhibiting the fountain and outlet. 



This outlet in the eye is furnished with two small ori- 

 fices, which the anatomists call puncta lachrymalia, 

 or tear holes. The water is conducted along within 

 the eye by a structure of the lids, not very easy to 

 describe ; but entirely mechanical, and the effect of 

 which is to incline the tears to run easily to the open- 

 ing. The ivinJcing of the lids is a part of the contri- 

 vance ; it presses the water toward the place of dis- 

 charge ; and hence the quickened motion of the eye- 

 lids when persons are endeavoring to conceal a tear. 



B. This now explains the disease we sometimes 

 see in those whose tears run down in a constant stream 

 upon the outside of their faces. 



T. Yes, and a very serious disease it is : the ori- 

 fices are closed up. Many persons have submitted to 

 the painful operation which is rarely successful, of 

 having the outlet opened anew by artificial means. 

 We see, therefore, the kind intention which provided 

 the opening in the first instance. " It is easily per- 

 ceived the eye must want moisture ; but could the 



