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sels in the lungs to be sedative or relaxing, and ascribe to a dimi¬ 
nished action of these vessels the apparently increased efficiency of 
the right side of the heart when oxygen is applied, we suppose the 
oxygen to produce the very opposite effect to that which has always 
been observed when it or any other stimulus has taken effect on any 
individual artery. 
The only mode in which it appears possible to escape from these 
difficulties is to suppose that the stimulus given by the oxygen to 
the flowing blood through the lungs, is a stimulus to that movement 
which is independent of any contraction of the solids containing 
the blood. This conclusion is in perfect accordance with the ob¬ 
servations of Haller on the derivation of blood, perceptible under 
the microscope, towards any part where an opening is made in a 
vessel, and air admitted into contact with the blood, because he 
gives satisfactory reasons for thinking that this derivation is not 
owing to contraction of the vessels; it is also in accordance with 
observations on some of the lowest tribes of animals, and on vege¬ 
tables, where currents in fluids are observed in c onnexion with the 
act of respiration, but no movement of solids has been detected; and 
even, as Dr. Alison thinks, with the observations of Purkinje and 
others, on currents connected with the respiratory organs in animals 
much higher in the scale, because although these last currents have 
been ascribed by most authors to vibrations of cilias, which are seen 
to accompany them in various instances, it seems very doubtful 
whether they can be adequately explained without supposing a 
“jeu d'attraction et repulsion ” to be commenced in these instances, 
as well as in the respiration of the lowest tribes. 
Experimental Inquiry into the different Offices of Lacteals, Lym¬ 
phatics , and Veins in the Function of Absorptioti. By P. D. 
H ANDYS IDE, M.D. 
The author’s general position is thus stated: “ The lacteals, lym¬ 
phatics, and veins are endowed each with a peculiar office in the 
general functions of absorption; for example, 1. The lacteals are 
those vessels which absorb the aliment which is necessary for main¬ 
taining the nutrition and increase of the body, and exercise the 
property of refusing entrance to all other matters; 2. The lympha¬ 
tics absorb the elements of the body upon their becoming useless or 
noxious, so as by their final discharge from the system to make room 
for the deposition of new matter, and these vessels possess no ab¬ 
sorbing power over any substances foreign to the system; 3. The 
veins not only return to the heart the blood after that fluid has ful¬ 
filled the object of its diffusion over the system, but enjoy the office 
of receiving into the animal system by absorption various foreign 
matters which may be brought into contact with their orifices. 
In support of these views the author presents a short review of 
results obtained by various eminent anatomists and physiologists. 
