from the ovarium to the uterus in women . 257 
fimbriae, appears to be fitted for the reception of the ovum as 
well as of the semen, and the ovum is probably retained in 
this situation for several days, to prolong the opportunity of 
its being impregnated. 
It has been disputed, whether the semen ever comes in 
contact with the ovum, or even arrives at the uterus ; but as 
Mr. Hunter has proved by experiment that it reaches the 
uterus,* and as there is no impediment to its passage from 
that organ to the ovarium, it must be admitted that the semen 
reaches the ovum before impregnation can take place. 
The formation of ova in the ovaria, and their appearing in 
that organ in succession, joined to the circumstance of ani- 
mals during the warm season being ready to receive the 
male once a month, leads to an opinion very contrary to that 
which is commonly received respecting menstruation. This 
discharge has been supposed a previous step, preparing the 
uterus for uterogestation ; and if a woman has not been im- 
pregnated soon after menstruation, it is presumed that she 
may be more fortunate after her next period. 
It is clear from the case which has been stated, that such 
periods are totally unconnected with the formation of the 
ovum, the process of its leaving the ovarium, or its impreg- 
nation ; but, if impregnation does not take place, such a dis- 
charge may be necessary for the relief of parts to which 
there had been so great a derivation of blood, as the only 
means of restoring them to their natural state. The uterus 
in women and in the monkey has a more compact form than 
in other animals, which may explain the circumstance of 
menstruation being confined to them. 
* J. Hunterus canis foeminse inter coeundum occisae, uterum aperuit ; quo facto 
maris semen in ipsum uterum, per saltus intromissum, clare vidit. 
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