MENSTRUAL DISCHARGE. 449 







sacs (or parent-cells), and a discharge of ova, at the surface of the ova- 

 rium ; but these ova never attain so high a degree of development, as to 



^ender them fit for impregnation. Their evolution takes place more 

 ompletelj, as well as more rapidly, at the period of puberty, when 

 there is a greatly-increased determination of blood to the genital 

 organs, and a correspondingly-augmented energy in their nutritive opera- 

 tions. At this epoch, the parenchyma of the ovarium is crowded with 

 ovisacs ; which are still so minute, that in the Ox, according to Dr. 

 Barry's computation, a cubic inch would contain 200 millions of them, 

 ome of those nearest the surface, however, are continually attaining 

 creased development ; and a rupture of some of the Graafian follicles, 

 ,nd a discharge of ova prepared for impregnation, from the exterior of 

 "e ovarium, thenceforth take place, with more or less tendency to 

 riodicity, during the whole time that the female is in a state of apti- 

 de for procreation. 



798. In the Human female, the period of Puberty usually occurs be- 

 een the 13th and 16th years. The differences in the time of its advent 



artly depend upon individual constitution, and partly upon various ex- 

 rnal circumstances, such as temperature, habits of life, &c. As a 

 general rule, habitual exposure to a warm atmosphere, an inert life, 

 sensual indulgence, and circumstances that excite the sexual feelings, 

 favour the approach of Puberty ; whilst a cold climate and hardy life 

 retard it. The appearance of the Catamenial discharge usually takes 

 place whilst the evolution of the genital organs is in progress ; and it is a 

 decided indication, when it occurs, that the aptitude for procreation has 

 been attained.. It is not unfrequently delayed much longer, however ; and 

 its absence is by no means to be regarded as a proof of inability to con- 

 ceive. The Catamenial fluid, as it proceeds from the lining membrane 

 of the Uterus, seems to be nothing else than Blood ; but in its passage 

 through the vagina, this is deprived of its coagulating power by admix- 

 ture with the vaginal mucus. The appearance of clots in the discharge 

 may usually be regarded as an indication that an excess of blood is 

 escaping from the uterine surface. In some cases of difficult Menstrua- 

 tion, which seem to depend upon a state of low inflammation in the 

 Uterus, the fibrine has such a tendency to become organized, as to form 

 shreds, or layers of false membrane, which sometimes plug up the os 

 uteri. The healthy Menstrual secretion is remarkable for its very acid 

 character. It has been recently maintained that this periodical dis- 

 charge of blood from the lining membrane of the uterus is dependent 

 upon the ovarian oestrum; but there seems adequate reason for the 

 belief, that, although the two phenomena are usually consentaneous, 

 yet that they are essentially independent; since each occasionally 

 recurs without being accompanied by the other. The Catamenial dis- 

 charge usually makes its appearance pretty regularly (save during preg- 

 nancy and lactation) at intervals of 28 days ; but there are many females 

 in whom its recurrence takes place with no less regularity at shorter or 

 at longer intervals. The duration of the flow, too, is subject to great 

 variations ; for in some individuals it does not last above a day or two, 

 whilst in others it continues a week or more. 



799. This flux of blood from the lining membrane of the Uterus is 



29 



