300 THE TISSUES. 



in the axilla; and hence these parts (except the brain) become 

 highly oedematous (p. 294, 1) from inflammation, contusions, &c.; as 

 the parts whose areolas are filled with fat-cells cannot. Besides, it 

 does not exist under the epicranial aponeurosis, under the mucous 

 membranes, 1 in the corium of the skin, nor between overlapping 

 muscles. 



The fat in the brain and nerves, is not in the form of adipose 

 tissue not in fat-cells; but enters into the chemical composition of 

 the tissues themselves. 



Fat-cells are never entirely absent in the heart, in the orbit, and 

 between the muscles of the face. 



Peculiarities of Distribution of Fat. 



The adipose tissue under the skin of the abdomen sometimes 

 accumulates to a great amount, in one instance forming a layer 14 

 inches thick I This increase is most likely to occur in men at the 

 age of about forty years. Occurring also in women at this period, 

 or somewhat earlier, and most frequently in those who have never 

 had children, the consequent enlargement has sometimes been mis- 

 taken for a time for pregnancy. 



It has been observed that Hottentot women manifest a peculiar 

 tendency to the accumulation of fat upon the nates; which does 

 not, however, appear till after the birth of a child. This is by them 

 considered an important element of female beauty. In all male 

 animals, on the other hand, a tendency to accumulate fat is pro- 

 duced by castration. It often also accumulates in women when 

 they cease to conceive, and in those who are barren. 



Certain individuals are remarkable for the accumulation of fat 

 upon the body generally, while others are as remarkable for a desti- 

 tution of it. A Greek writer tells of a person who was obliged to 

 attach iron to his sandals, lest he be blown away when he went 

 abroad. On the other hand, Daniel Lambert, the Lancastershire 

 giant, weighed 739 pounds ; the circumference of his body being 

 9 feet 4 inches, and of his leg, 3 feet 1 inch. His coffin was 6 

 feet 4 inches long, 4 feet 4 inches wide, and 2 feet 4 inches deep. 

 The author saw a young woman in Paris, 18 years of age, who 

 weighed over 500 pounds. Paolo Moccia was so fat as to weigh 30 

 pounds less than his bulk of water, and consequently he could not 



1 An exception is found in the soft palate, where there is an abundance of yellow 

 fat, often seen through the membrane in the case of anemic subjects. 



