[ 592 ] 
LIV. A Diifcf'ipthn of the Lymphatics of 
the Urethra a7id Neck of the Bladder. By 
Henry Watfon, Simgcon to the Weflmin'- 
> fter liofpital.^ cmd F, R. B. 
Read Dec. 14, r | H E, valvular lymphatics, as a fyflcin 
1769. 1^ of vefil-lSj pa gateris, are allowed 
to have a very confiderable office in the animal ceco- 
nomy ; but an office, fubordinate to that of the bloocd- 
veflels : at leah, they liave been fuppofcd by many of 
the phyfiologifl'S, not of fo much confequence, in pre- 
ferving the licalth and life of the animal. 
IF we confider, that an obdrudFcd thoracic du&^ 
which is in fadf but a large lymphatic, will dedroy 
life as effedually as a ligature made upon the aorta 
itfelf ; we muff conclude the lymphatics to be velTels 
of much greater importance than feme have imagined: 
nearly of as much confequence, in fupporting and 
carrying on the animal I'undHons, as the arteries and 
veins themfelves : for if an obflrudion of the aorta^ 
or great artery, can produce a very quick, or fudden, 
death ; an ohfinidted thoracic diidt will as certainly 
lead to a tedious and lingering one. 
The cafe of the obftruded though not indeed 
often feen, yet is every now and then to be met with. 
It is the one caufe of a marajmus not known, or not 
attended to : generally owing to an enlargement of 
the 
