NOMEXISTENCS OF SUGAR IN DIABETIC ILOOD, ] gC^ 



fuse running of water from the nose, made a similar exami- discharge from 

 nation of this discharge, but have not been able to perceive ^^^ "*^'*®- 

 any trace of the prussic acid. 



It was nearly in this state, that I left the inquiry at the Trial of the 

 period 1 have mentioned ; and I do not remember to have biuier. 

 made any other experirrients, when I requested your assist- 

 ance in making trial of the serum, that is secreted in conse- 

 quence of the application of a blister. Your report upon 

 the result of your experiments, in addition to those which I 

 have above related, nearly satisfied me as to the existence of 

 some unknown channel of conveyance, by which substances 

 jnay reach the bladder. 



With respect to Dr. Darwin's conception of a retrograde Retrogfadea^ 

 action of the absorbents, it is so strongly opposed by the so°bent's icn- 

 known structure of that system of vessels, that I believe few probable. 

 pei-sons will admit it to be in any degree probable. 



Since we have become acquainted with the surprising che»- Secretion ge- 

 micaV effects of the lowest slates of electricity, I have been "rb^'^eSr'' 

 inclined to hope, that we might from this source derive some tricity. 

 explanation of such phenomena. But though I have refer- 

 red* secretion in general to the agency of the electric power 

 with which the nerves appeared to be indued, and am there- 

 by reconciled to the secretion of acid urine from blood that 

 is known to be alkaline, which before that time seemed 

 highly paradoxical ; and although the transfer of the prus- 

 siate of potash, of sugar, or of other substances, may equal- 

 ly be effected by the same power as acting cause; still the The channel 



channel throusrh which they are conveyed remains to bedis- ^'■''^ to bedis* 



, , 1- • - coTcresl. 



covered by direct experiment, 



I have, indeed, conjectured, that, by examining the blood 



in the abdominal vessels, or contents of the lacteals, it 



might be possible to detect them in transitu ; but I have not 



been inclined to make such experiments on living animals, 



as would perhaps throw light upon the subject, 



I remaiN, dear sir, with great regard. 



Yours very truly, 



January 1,1311. W. H. WOLL ASTON. 



« Philosophical Magazine for June 1809. 



