LECTURE V. 241 



would be distended by the impulse of addi- 

 tional fluid; yet with reference to this point, 

 he observes, that upon laying bare an ar- 

 tery, no distention of the tube is apparent ; 

 and that the distention seems to take place 

 in proportion as it is covered or compressed. 



Such, then, is the view Mr. Hunter has 

 exhibited of the circulation in the higher 

 classes of animals ; and on contemplating 

 it, we perceive how every part of the body 

 may duly receive its allotted portion of 

 nourishment and life, as well as how each 

 part may receive less or more than its ordi- 

 nary quantity, in consequence of the vital 

 actions of its own vessels. 



I do not perceive, however, that his re- 

 presentation of the circulation differs ma- 

 terially from that of the best physiologists 

 who preceded him. But he has the merit 

 of examining every point for himself, and 

 under all the varieties of circumstances ; as 

 well as of ascertaining what before appeared 

 obscure and uncertain. This theory of 

 the circulation has been assaulted, and yet, 



R 



