318 THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM, BY F. v. KECKLINGHAUSEN. 



silvered preparations, a direct transition of the colourless pas- 

 sages of the serous canals into the smaller lymphatics may be 

 observed. Successful preparations of the central tendon of 

 the diaphragm show in the most distinct manner the transition 

 of the small cylindrical serous canals (see fig. 58) into the 

 lymphatic capillaries. The latter, at their very commencement, 

 frequently present dentated contours, and at the bottom of 



Fig. 59. Central tendon of the Rabbit, treated with solution of 

 nitrate of silver, the most superficial serous layer immediately adjoin- 

 ing the pericardium being shown, a, lymphatic capillaries ; b, their 

 origin ; c, serous canals with communications ; d, serous canals equal in 

 width to the origin of the lymphatic vessels ; e } bloodvessel with epi- 

 thelial cells. Magnified 300 diameters. 



these depressions the limits of the lymphatic vessels very fre- 

 quently become insensibly lost in the serous canal system. 

 This disappearance of the boundaries of the lymph vessels it 

 is very easy to understand is so much the more obvious in pro- 



