— 22 — 
On the Avhole, the facts are in accordance with theoretical considerations. In the 
largest organ, the hver, the portal system lias almost wholly disappeared ; and though 
the hepatic system sliows less profound alterations, yet often enough, the large veins 
are represented by a few shreds of tissue only ( Plate VIII. Fig. 2 and 3 i. 
The bloodvessels of the parenchyma of the lungs are very distinct. This is 
probably due to the fact that the lungs do not putrefj- as quickly as the abdominal organs 
and that, owing to their loose spongy structure, the salt solution penetrated them rapidly 
and the organs dried quickly aftem ards. 
The vascular system of the stomach and intestines is often well preserv ed. The 
three coats of the arteries for instance are evident. Here the satisfactory result is probably 
due to the thorough and rapid penetration of the pickling solution, and the ulterior quick 
desiccation of the thin tissues. 
The vessels of the extremities, i. e. fingers, are most interesting ; the adventitia 
and media are Avell nigh perfect, the intima alone showing signs of disintegration 
(Plate Vn. Fig. 4). Similarly the small bloodvessels of the testis, of nerves and 
muscles are in excellent condition. 
HEART. 
In mummies of the XXIst dynasty the heart is always shrunk to an extraordinary 
extent (Plate III Fig. 2 and 3). The organ depicted here for instance, measures 5 V-2 cm. 
in length, 4 cm. in breadth and 5* cm. in depth and Aveighs 36 grammes. It is obviously 
torn or incised along both its anterior and posterior surfaces. The ventricles are very weU 
preserved, but the auricles with the origins of the larger veins are collapsed, and shrunk 
and are invaginated into the ventricles. Prolonged desiccation and consequent shrinking 
have thrown aU the surface of the heart into deep Avrinkles and the whole organ is as 
dry as tinder, requiring very careful handling if it is to be kept intact. Fragments chip 
off readily, and crumble to dust under very slight pressure. 
Several attempts were made to restore such a mummified heart to its former 
shape, by leaving it for some time in the softening solution.. Apparently, all the con- 
nective tissues had disappeared during centuries of drying, for after a few hours the 
muscular bundles fell apart. These were of a pale yellow colour, and as transparent as 
if they had been soaked in some clearing reagent such as xylol. A good deal of sand 
wliich had obviously been contained in the heart and bloodvessels, dropped to the 
bottom of the vessel. The tricuspid, mitral and aortic valves Avere intact and fairly tough, 
though as thin as the flimsiest tissue paper. 
As Prof. Elhot Smith pointed out, the heart was generally left in the body cavity 
of mummies of the XXIst dynasty. In a mummy of the XVIH-XXth dynasties, however. 
Mumnnes 
of the XXIst 
dynasty. 
