390 
THE PHYSIOLOGY OF THE BLOOD. 
string prevented it from following the regular motions of the 
stomach . 
“ Such, then, are the phenomena and conditions of healthy 
digestion, and such is the light thrown upon them both by the 
valuable publication of the American physiologist. Before leaving 
this branch of the subject, however, it may be useful to lay before 
the reader, as a kind of summary, the principal inferences de- 
duced by Dr. Beaumont from his numerous experiments and 
observations. But, in doing so, I shall attempt to arrange the 
results in their natural order; for, in the original work they are 
given without reference either to logical sequence or to time.” 
From Combe's Physiology oj Digestion, La)icet,35-6, ii,239. 
THE PHYSIOLOGY OF THE BLOOD. 
By Mr. R. B. Rush, St. Lopham . 
[Read at the London Veterinary Medical Society, March 8th, 1836.] 
The subject I have selected comprehends the physiology of 
the blood, its circulation, and the changes it undergoes in respi- 
ration and circulation ; likewise a few remarks on the foetal 
circulation and growth. I have endeavoured to be as concise as 
possible, from a conviction that much more benefit is derived 
from argumentative discussion than from lengthened, wordy 
essays. 
As many volumes have been written on the respective parts of 
this subject, it may appear presumption in me to attempt its 
compression to so small a compass ; but as I hope it will be the 
means of eliciting the views of others, I have no doubt that you 
will be lenient towards me. 
A good knowledge of this subject is so important to us as 
professional men, that no student of the veterinary or medical 
science, who values his own interest, will be satisfied without it. 
Ancient physiologists, to shew the importance of the blood, 
called it the life of the animal. That it is necessary to existence 
is proved by the fact of its conveying vitality to every part of 
the system ; it is also the source on which the brain and nerves 
depend for their action. Another proof of its importance will ap- 
pear evident, when we call to mind the effects produced by the 
extraction of too much of it even in health, but more especially 
when under the influence of disease. t 
The blood is called a fluid, because in the vessels of living 
animals it is always found in a liquid state while under the 
