( 9<s ) 
more than the Arteries ( whofe Syftole does enable 
them to overcome that Preflure) therefore the Blood, 
which is ftill puftied 1 forward by the Syftole of the 
H eart into theVeins, will be retained there by the afore- 
laid Preflure of the Mufcles, and will return in a very 
fmall Quantity to the Heart. 
For Example, the Abdominal Mufcles being con- 
vulfed, prefs the Stomach and Intefiines upon the Vena 
Cava afcendens, and likewife upon the Vena Porta 
by which Means the Blood, returning from the lower 
Extremities, is retained in thofeVeflels. Accordingly 
we fee the vifible and immediate Effe&s of this Pref- 
fure are the forcing out the Excrements of the Blad- 
der and Intejtines, and very frequently the Profluvi- 
im Se minis. 
In like Manner the Preflure of the Mufcles of the 
Neck, 'tongue , and lower Java upon the Jugular 
Veins and their Branches, will not fuffer the Blood to 
return to the Heart by the Vena Cava defcendens. 
To this we may add the Preflure of the Diaphragm 
and Ribs upon the Lungs, by which Means the Trunks 
of the Vena Cans a afcendens and defcendens are com- 
prefledat their Infertion into the Heart. 
Hence follows that frightful Blacknels of the Face 
during the Paroxyfin, and the prodigious Swelling of 
theVeins of the Head, efpecially the Temporal. 
The neceflary Confequence of all this muft be, that if 
the Convulfion lafts long enough the Man muft die, on 
Account of the Blood being thrown out of the Arteries 
into the Veins, and not returning to the Heart. And I 
make no Queftion, that if fuch a Perfon was opened 
after Death, we fhould find the Vena Cava, the Vena 
Porta, 
z 
