found in the human Placenta. 367 
There was a remarkable circumstance attending this case, 
which ought not to be lost sight of, viz. the extraordinary quan- 
tity of liquor amnii, which had been contained in the ovum. 
What connection there was between this and the tumour, can- 
not be absolutely explained from a single instance, as there did 
not seem to be any direct communication between the tumour 
and the cavity of the amnion. The whole of it lay, as has been 
before related, behind the chorion ; so that, between it and the 
cavity of the ovum, there were two membranes interposed. In 
its organization, it had all the appearance of a glandular part, 
and was extremely vascular ; but, upon a very attentive exa- 
mination of it, no duct could be found leading from it into the 
cavity of the ovum. 
Yet, although it may appear difficult to prove, that the quan- 
tity of liquor amnii depended upon this substance, still, as it 
so considerably exceeded that which is found in common, or 
has ever been described, it is reasonably to be believed that it 
did so. 
The manner, however, by which the secreted fluid was con- 
veyed from the tumour into the general cavity of the ovum, 
must still remain unaccounted for. 
centa, which no longer performs perfectly the functions for which it was designed. 
Nourishment and vital air are no longer supplied properly to the foetus, which there*, 
fore commonly dies. 
