[ 72 ] 
(which are very great and numerous thro* its whole 
Subflance), while it is diftending gradually, by the 
Increafe of the lymphatic Fluid *, and Growth of the 
Fcctus, Placenta , &c. in it. 
V. 
In this virgin or empty State, the mufcular Part 
is fo fqueezed and comprefted together, that the Ar- 
teries and Veins are quite clofed up, and utterly 
incapable of receiving a Drop of Blood during that 
State ; except fome few fmall Vefiels, which only ferve 
for the Continuation of Nutrition : But as foon as the 
Ovum is lodged in the Uterus , and begins to increafe in 
Bulk by the Intrufion of the Liquor Amnii, it forces the 
Uterus to diftend by degrees, till it arrives at the 
Bulk we fee in the latter Months of Pregnancy. By 
this gradual Diftenfion, the mufcular Fibres are forced 
further afunder, and cdnfequently the Blood-veftels 
arc gradually freed from the Preffure, till at length 
they increafe to their full Dimenfions. 
VI. 
All this time the mufcular Part, being compelfd 
to dilate, can perform no Function proper to a Muf- 
cle, until the Cervix Uteri is fo fhortened, as to be- 
come thinner than the reft of the Uterus ; which 
does not happen till about the Completion of the 
ninth 
* Liquor Amnii. The Manner of the Secretion of this Fluid, 
which is much controverted, fhall be foon accounted for in a 
Treatife on the Nutrition of the Fattus, which (hall be publifhed in 
$ov;c E ffaj: on the DifeaJ'es of Women. 
J 
