AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE LIVER. 
ms 
For the same reason it seems highly probable, that a part of the secretion of the 
cells IS directly absorbed into the blood which traverses the lobules. 
In a classification of the true glands the liver seems to occupy the lowest position 
the highest being assigned to the permanently tubular, such as the kidney and testis! 
From the condition of the secreting parenchyma in many instances, we learn that 
the sem-etory process by no means requires the formation of perfect cells in order to 
effect Its peculiar changes ; these may certainly occur in blastematous matter if a 
nucleus only be present. 
The condition of the liver is in great measure dependent on the intensity of the 
respiratory process; its products being unused accumulate in the gland, often to a 
remarkable extent ; its function is therefore not only vicarious of respiration, as 
formerly supposed, but preparatory, and to some extent subsidiary. 
In concluding these inquiries, I cannot but acknowledge the kind assistance I have 
received from my friend Mr. P. Hewett, and also from Mr. H. Gray, who has 
several times aided me with his acute observation when a doubtful point’ was to be 
decided. 
Appendix. 
An objection may be urged against the account which I have given of the relation 
of the ultimate ducts to the ceils of the liver, to the effect that they are in contact 
with these particles to so small an extent, that it is difficult to understand how the 
bile which they secrete should be received into the efferent ducts. 
In answer to this I observe, first, that I believe much of the sreretion of the cells 
IS directly absorbed into the blood traversing the lobules. 
Second, that I think it is by no means proved that the secretion of the cells is per- 
fectly formed bile , in many instances it clearly is not : thus, in most fishes and in 
the fatty hver of the human subject, it is evident that the gorged parenchyma is full, 
not of bilious, but of oily matter, out of which however healthy bile is elaborated I 
healthy, without finding any evidence of the presence of bile in their contents, though 
m congested livers the yellow molecules are often very distinct in the interior of the 
nm* th Tl ** appear as pale granular bodies, and do 
I’c 7 “““ addition of 
hi, no hT T a ® “ good deal of oily matter in the cells, 
ut no biliary. I do not of course deny that bile is often formed in the cells esne 
cially in states of congestion, but I conceive that in the perfectly healthy state the 
Zs^nhedTcrs*'” terrainalpor- 
54 Sloane Street. 
