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AN
■OF
TO DETERMINE
THE ABSORBING POWER
OF THE
VEINS AND LYMPHATICS
J. O'B. LAWRENCE, M. D. & B. H. COATES, M. D.
     LEXINGTON, KY.
PRINTED BY W. W. WORSLEY
	*?d-
.dr.x*r■'■*-■■	W"tj
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Air Miucdwart^ &$<_
   WE had intended, ever since the experiments which were
made last year, for the Academy of Medicine of this city, to
take up the subject anew, and endeavor to prosecute it fur-
ther.   The committee, since that time, having been dissolved,
we conclude to continue our inquiries in a private capacity.
We  have accordingly performed a  number of experiments
with that view.
   We feel much pleasure in acknowledging the very  liberal
assistance which we have received from professor Chapman;
who  enjoys- the singular praise of originating a lengthened
course  of inquiries, without any reference, whatever, to his
previous opinions on the subject:  it being his only object to
discover and confirm the truth.
   We have also been gratified with the company and occa-
sional assistance of several gentlemen; among whom we may
enumerate Dr. Seybert, Dr. Horner, professor Keating, Dr.
S. Jackson, Is. Lukens, C. Riddle, H. Seybert and W. Dirk,
jr.   young man who has since been removed, in the flower of
ag'?, by death.  As this young man did not live long enough
to : ee the completion of any  of his scientific  undertakings,
his name will not be very widely known; but as he made
himself useful to  us by long and persevering attention, we
 deem it not improper, in our short-lived paper, to mention his
 affectionate disposition, and bi° promising talents.
   As we considered it of the highest importance to have sever-
 al witnesses of whatever was done,  we invited various gen-
 tlemen, chiefly connected with the medical profession, be-
 sides those above named:  and no experiment of importance
 was performed in the presence of fewer than four or five per-
 sons,  and scarce  any even of the repetitions,  before fewer
 ■ ban three.
   We commenced by making a few further trials with colour-
 ed substances,  and still with the negative result of  none ot'
 them entering the vessels.  Two animals were made to cii
 articles of this kind; a bitch the prussian  blue, and a kitten,
 a mixture of indigo and milk.  These were uud;.t somewhat
 different circumstances from the experiment;; oi' dii-i: year, in
 which the coloured substances were thrown into portions of
 exposed inle^ine. and secured wdh ligature.   They nmv !■- 
4         Experiments on Veins and Jjympnaucs.

considered by some  as fairer trials, as the natural condition.
of the parts concerned were unaltered, until the animals were
killed and examined.  They were tried in consequence of rea-
ding the  experiments published by Dr.  Milnor, in his inau-
gural thesis.  The first named animal consumed not less than
nine ounces and a half of the prussian  blue; nevertheless a
considerable number of different  solids and fluids, including
the ordinary routes  by which absorption has been supposed
to take place, were examined, without discovering it in them.
Cochineal, red saunders, anntto, turmeric and prussian blue,
were thrown into the abdominal cavity of cats and kittens;
and'with precisely the same  result; absorption of the colours
not having been detected in  any one route.
   In one instance, decoction  of cochineal,  strongly coloured,
was forced into the cellular  substance, over the abdomen of
a kitten; and wdth the same negative result.
   Far the largest part of our  experiments were  made with
the prussiate of potass, which has  many advantages in inqui-
ries of this kind, as being  the article at once most easy of ab-
sorption  and of exposure by chemical means, of all the dif-
ferent substances we have tried.   We can present a list of
thirty-four animals, in which  this salt was introduced into the
alimentary canal,  with an  account of most of the fluids in
which it was chemically evinced to exist, and the intervals of
time at which  each examination  took place.   In the  first
twenty-one, the parts were left undisturbed, until  the ani-
mal's death; in the rest ligatures were  affixed, as described
in the list. 
Animals	Quantity.	Duct.Thor	Rt. sid. hrt	General Circulation.	Urine.	Vena portae	Miscellaneous
K itten.	Near 4 grains.	49 m. no blue.			45 m. no blue.		
Idem.	Near 12 grains				97 m. no blue.		
Idem.	7 grains at twice, 5 hours a part.			9 m. jugular, 10 m. car-otid, no blue.	Bladder blue.		
Dog.	Considerable quan-tity ,probably great-er part of a drachm at intervals.	4 1-2 hours slight blue.		Fem. art. 4 1-2 h. no blue.	41-2 h.deep blue.	4 1-2 h. slight blue. Bluer than D. thor.	Liquor pericardii perceptible blue.
Idem.	Idem. Idem.	5 h. 28 m. no blue.			5 h. 39 m. dis-tinct blue.	5 h. 10 m. strong blue.	
Rabbit.	Idem. Idem.	62 m. dis-tinct b.	68m. strong blue.	Left side of heart 68 m. blue. 1	64 m. pelvis of|67 m. strong kidney blue. 1 blue.		53m. liquor pericar-dii faintly greenish Cellul. sub. valv. of heart, &c. blue.
Dog.	Nearly half a drachm of salt.	2 h. 4 m. 2 h. 7 m. Intercostal vein 1 h. 48 blue. blue. m.blue. Fern. art. and vein 2h. 22m. blue.			1 h. 5 m. blue.		Valves of heart blue.
Idem.	Nearly a drachm ofj 2 h. 2 to 12 the salt. | | m. blue.			Fom. art. 2h. 2m. blue. Mesent. art. bluer.	2 h. 2 to 12 m. blue.	2h. 2 to 12 m. no blue.	.
 
Animals	Quantify.	Duct.Thor	Rt. sid. hrt	General Circulation.	Urine.	Vena portae	Miscellaneous. I
Cat.*	2 drachms solution	46 1-2 m. blue		Aorta blue 381.2 m.ve-nacava. 46 m. blue.		34 1-2 m blue.	
Dog.	2 scruples salt	40 m. no blue	37 m. no'Exter. iliac, art 31 m. blue no blue.		47 m. blue.	28 m. no blue.	Liq. pericardi 34m. no blue.
Idem	Half a drachm of the saltj	50 m. no blue		Jugular 26 m. no blue, Aorta 42 m. no blue.	55 m. no blue. Pelvis kidney, none, urine af-ter several days blue.	35 m. suspi-cious.	
Kitten	2 drachms solution			Aorta 17 m. blue	12m. strong blue, bladder faint blue. Pelvis kid-ney 34 m. blue.	16 m. blue, e-qual to aorta.	Abdom. cavity no blue. Surface of stomach 31 m. blue.
Cat star ved ten days	Idem.	24 m. blue	14 m. blue.	Aorta 12 m. blue	20 m. faint blue. Pelvis kidney blue.	10 m. blue but less so than the aorto.	Cellular substance of thigh blue. ___________________
Cat	Idem.	22 m. dis-tinct blue, but not ex-ceeding a-orta		Aorta 11 m. faint, but distinct blue	28 no distinct blue.		Liquor pericardii, 13 m. blue. Outside of stomach 19 m. no blue.
*The animals after this were starved.
>
/
"w . 
Animals	Quantity.	Duct.ThorJRt- side of | heart		General Circulation	Urine	Vena portae	Miscellaneous
Cat	2 drachms solution	17 & 23 m.\ no blue	12 m. no blue		20 m. no blue		
Idem.	Idem	12 l-2m. no blue		Aorta 7 m. blue	15 m. no blue		
Kitten.	Idem		10 1-2 m. blue	Aorta 6 m. blue	20 m. blue		
Idem.	Idem	17 m. tin-ged blue.	11m. blue	Idem 8 m. blue		7 m. blue	Outer surface of the stomach blue
Idem	Idem.	12 1-2 m. faint blue	8 m. not Idem 6 m. blue. blue |				
Cat	Idem	14 m. no blue		Idem 8 m. no blue.	More than 14 m. no blue	7 m. faint light blue.	
Idem	Near 4 d achms	161-2m.no blue			6 1-2 m. no blue	9 m. blue.	
Kitten 111-2 drachm in rec-lMore than 1 turn 1 57 m. no | 1 1 blue				Jugular 57 1-2 m. no blueCarotid next more than 57 l-2m. no blue	Strong blue. Pelvis kidney strong blue	More than 57 1-2 m. no blue	
 
Animals	Quantity	Duct.Thor	Rt. side of heart	General Circulation 1	Urine.	Vena portae	Miscellaneous
Kitten	2 drachms solution	7 1-2 m. no] blue		More than 26 m. no blue.	26 m. strong blue	5 m. no blut	Surface of stomach no blue
Rabbit	4 drachms solution	Inner sur-face of the duct 34 1-2 m. no blue	221-2m.no blue	Aorta 18 l-2m. no blue	25 1-2 m. no blue	14 1-2 m. no blue.	
Idem	Idem	30 m. light blue		Vena cava ascendens 24 1-2 m. no blue	28 m. strong blue. Papilla of kidney 38 m. blue	21 m. no blue	Cellular tissue 34 m. blue. Cap-sule of a joint 40 1-2 m. blue
Idem	2 drachms solution		More than Aorta 23 1-2 m. blue 28 1-2 m.[ blue		28 1-2 m. strong blue. Pelvis kid-ney more 28 1-2 m. blue	19 1-2 m. blue	Liquor pericardii 251-2m.no blue
Young rabbit. ... ,	Idem		24 1-2 m. slight blue		33 m. green*	15 m. slightly blue.	
*This indicates the prussiate, together with some cause which partially deoxygenates the test, 
WITH LIGATURES AFFIXED TO THE (ESOPHAGUS,
Animals	Quantity.	Duct.Thor	Rt. side of heart	General Circulation	Urine 1 Vena porta.		Miscellaneous
Kitten (sick)	Idem	46 m. deep blue			42 1-2 m. very deep blue. Sub-stance of kidney more than 28 m. blue	.	Liquor pericardii 44 m. light, but ob-vious blue. Cellul. sub. more than 48 m. blue
Kitten.	Idem		12 m. blue	Aorta 12 m. light blue	12 m. no blue		
Idem.	Idem	40 m. light blue		Aorta 23 m. blue	33 m. blue	22 m. blue	
Idem	11-2 drachms solut.	17 m. very faint blue		Aorta 13 m. pretty strongly blue	20 m. blue	11 m. strongly blue	>
Idem	Idem	15 1-2 m. light blue	More than 18 m. blue	Aorta 9 1-2 m. blue, weakest	18 m. faint blue	81-2 m. blue strongest	
Idem	2 dachms	20 m. blue	161-2 m. faint blue	Aorta 13 m. pretty strongly blue	23 m. faintly blue	11 m. pretty strongly blue)	Liquor pericardii 15 m. uncertain
 
 _i;          Experiments on Veins and Lymphatics*

  The imperfections in the above table arises, in part, from
 the circumstance of our not being able to procure a sufficient
 quantity of the fluids in question to exhibit the effect of the
 test, or from not being able to procure  them pure, and un-
 mixed with red globules  of blood, or other matters which
 render the results obscure and uncertain.   Very frequently,
 however, owing to the interrupted manner in which we were
 obliged to perform these delicate operations,  and from the
 circumstance of being compelled to attend to them at distant
 and inconvenient hours, in the midst of professional engage-
 ments, haste has produced the loss of observations which were
 really made.   Partial as some of the statements are, in con-
 sequence of this,  it was thought that a fair view of the evi-
 dence could not be obtained without giving all that  could in
 any degree affect it; and we resolved to insert all those in-
 stances  in which as many results were known as the reader
 may see in the more deficient ones of the table.
  The experiments which are placed last-in the order of enu-
meration were the first performed.   As we feared that vom-
 iting might occasionally ensue from the introduction of so un-
 natural a stimulous into the stomach, we  deemed it  necessa-
 ry to secure the oesophagus by a ligature; when afterwards,
in making comparative trials without a ligature, we found that
 this more simple and natural process might easily be adopted
 in the numerous repetitions which were made.   The article
was now injected through a tube, introduced into the stom-
 ach by the mouth.  The great  apparent  irregularity of the
results will sufficiently explain why so many repetitions were
 deemed necessary.
  The general weight of evidence in these cases is strongly
in favour of the  principal absorption having taken  place
through the vena portarum.  Only one case is mentioned  in
which the colour in the fluid from the thoracic duct  was not
 less intense than in the serum of the vena portarum.
  In this instance,  the former was not taken until thirty min-
 utes, and the latter in twenty  one; during the interval  of
 which there is every possibility for much of the absorbed sub-
 stance to reach the points at which both were examined; as
 much greater diversity than this exists in many of the results.
 Hence it may be supposed that absorption would have taken
 place in the porta, to a greater  extent, had both been exam-
 ined at the same time.  Another circumstance which affects
 the inference to be drawn in a very material degree, is, that
 the vena portae conveys so much larger an amount of fluid
 than the thoracic duct, that an equal intensity of colour im-
 plies th,e presence of a much larger quantity of the chemical
 agent.  This is also a reply to a su_eestion made in the re- 
Experiments on Vans and Lymphattee.
II
port to the  Academy of Medicine in favour of the  thoracic
duct as a  route.   But as this  was based, as far as relates to
the mucous membranes of which Ave are treating, upon only
seven experiments, and in none had we then proceeded to ex-
amine the serum of the vena portarum, it is hardly necessary
to array them in opposition.
   Inferences, however, of a more decisive kind may be drawn
from some of the experiments which ensue.   Five  are first
enumerated^ in which the vena portarum was secured by a lig-
ature.   In the two first, the  cardia being undisturbed and the
fluid introduced down the oesophagus,the oesophageal and pha-
ryngeal veins had access to it, and their radicles or capillaries
may have absorbed the salt.  A degree of uncertainty also pre-
vails whether the vena  portarum was in all these instance?
properly secured.   In the three last, however, this point was
carefully  ascertained by subsequent dissection, and a ligature
was also passed round the cardia to prevent the regurgitation
of the fluid into the oesophagus  itself.  The prussiate was
then introduced through a wound in the upper find of the du-
odenum, and this part also tied.-  In the first case, the prus-
siate was detected in the heart in thirty-four  minutes, in the
second in thirty-nine, and in the third in thirty-five  minutes.
This we consider as proving directly and decidedly that there
are other means of absorption besides  the veins.  We  now-
proceeded to tie the thoracic ductT and endeavour  to ascer-
tain whether the prussiate could  be  made to enter the circu-
lation, by passages independent of this.  The three first ex-
periments recorded are  not quite  definite from the cardia not
being  secured, as  the fluid was liable to regurgitate into the
lower  paTt of the oesophagus; a circumstance which we al-
ways found to take place  when that part  was not artificially
closed.  It  may also be remarked by the  way, that the oeso-
phagus was always  found,  when examined for that  purpose
after feeding, to contain a portion of the substances swallow-
ed, whenever these retained the fluid or semifluid form.
   As,  however,  the  agent was conveyed into the systems  of
these animals, it certainly follows from the two first cases, thai:
another route than the thoracic duct admitted of the passage
of the salt.   In the  last of the  three experiments both this>
vessel  and the trunk of the lymphatics in the right side of the
neck were secured:  thus stopping every known outlet to the
system of lacteals and lymphatics.   The blue was neverthe-
less easily  produced in the serum of blood taken from the
right side of the heart, in twenty-minutes.
   In tying the lymphatic outlets, great care  and much time
were employed.   The sufficiency, however,  of th"  ligatnro-i 
1-2
Experiments on Veins and L'jmp'i du
was proved by extreme tumescence of the trunks and all the
visible branches immediately after the application of the lig-
atures, generally followed by much enlargement, and frequent-
ly by their rupture in different places.
 ' In the next animal,  after securing  these parts, the cardia
was also tied, thus confining the visible means of absorption
to branches of the vena portarum alone. Injection of the prus-
diate was made through an opening below the pylorus, and
the wounded part tied.   In thirty-two  minute-, blood  was
taken from the right  side of  the heart, the serum of which
gave a strong blue. We regard it, then, as evinced, first, by
the two first of these experiments, that other means of ab-
sorption than the thoracic duct exist; secondly, by the thirds
that other routes exist, than either that or the lymphatic trunk
of the right side; thus confining them, of  all visible  vessels,
to the sanguineous ones alone; and thirdly, by the last, that
absorbed fluids arc carried through the trunk of the vena por-
tarum individually, as access  was barred to the branches of
any other vein.
  In the four next instances, after tying both the two lym-
phatic trunks, and the vena portae, injections  of  prussiate of
potass were made down the oesophagus, without tying either
the cardia or pylorus.  In all these cases,  the prussiate was
conveyed into the circulation.   In  the first, it was discovered
to be in the right  side of the heart in thirty-six minutes, in
the second, in forty-eight minutes, in the third it was found in
the aorta in thirty minutes, and in the  last it was  exhibited
more faintly in the shorter  period of twenty-five minutes, in
the right side of the heart.
  In four cases which follow, all  these vessels were first se-
cured, and  then the cardia.  The upper part of the duode-
num was lastly  secured, after injecting  the agent through it.
in none of these was a distinct blue to be found in  either the
serum of the right side of the heart, or in  the urine.  In the
second instance only, a bluishness is mentioned as having been
visible in the serum of the right side of the heart.  As, how-
ever, none of the others are so, as the term is so weak, and as
the urine in the same  case,  although twenty-five minutes had
elapsed, did not indicate it, it affords no very formidable ex-
ception.   The intervals at which the examinations were
made, for the heart, are 25, upwards of 23, 25 and 26 min-
utes;  for the urine, 32, upwards of 23, 36 1-2 and  28 minutes.
  A  comparative experiment was made, by tying  all the at-
tachments of the stomach whatever, in order to ascertain the
effect of simple infiltration.  No prussiate was found in any of
the fluids although the stomach almost immediately after tv- 
           Experiments on Veins and Lymphatics.         13

■.iiff, gave an evident blue on applying the test to its outer sur-
face,  the animal  being alive.  The contents of the  carotid
were  removed for examination in 31 minutes; of the  right
side of the heart, in 34; of the bladder, in 37; and then the
pelvis and papilla of the kidney were examined.
  We conceive we have thus established  that articles taken
into the stomach  may escape by three outlets for absorption;
namely, the vena  portar, the oesophageal veins and the thorac-
ic duct, and if all these are closed, the absorbing matters arc-
no longer conveyed to  the circulation or to the urine.   With
regard to the quantity conveyed by each, we have no sufficient
means of judging.  As  the quantity of fluid, however, contain-
ed in  the vena portarum, is much greater than in the thoracic
duct, it follows, that to produce a colour of equal intensity, a
much larger amount of the colouring matter is requisite.
  In examining the fluid of the thoracic duct, to detect prus-
siate  of potass, if the colour was not immediately produced on
applying the test, a portion  of it was laid aside for several
hours, generally till the next morning, and then tested again.
The blood  wras of necessity, treated in the same way.   The
urine being a substance exclusively recrementitious, and with-
out vitality, this delay was not adopted with it, except where
particularly mentioned. Great rigour was observed in making
the minutes of the results; nothing being set down in an un-
qualified manner, or as being distinct, unless it was so exhibi-
ted to the  satisfaction  of all  the persons present, as to leave
no doubt upon the statement.
   Where the time of the animal's death is not mentioned in
the accompanying list of experiments, it is generally to be
understood as occurring about the time that fluids were ob-
tained  from the  vessels in the thorax, and as a consequence
of having  exposed that cavity; sometimes, however, as re-
sulting from opening the large  blood-vessels.
   In  consequence of reading the experiments described, in
the medical journals  which have reached us, as having been
made by professor  Mayer of Gottingen, upon  absorption  in
the lungs,  we have made a few with that reference.   They
have  the disadvantage of being made upon small animals.
We regret much the misfortune under which most American
physicians labour, of the extreme difficulty and sometimes al-
most  utter impossibility of access to publications of the Eu-
ropean continent.  We are from this cause ignorant, further
than  the writer of medical intelligence for an English journal
has informed us, of the extent  of this gentleman's inquiries.
Our principal results are  included in the following table, ii
which the  prussiate was thrown into the trachea. 
; Animal-i	Quantity.	Rt. side heartjLt. aide heart		Duct.Thor.	Urine 1 Miscellaneous J	
h Cat	11-2 drachms of Doubtful solution i ]		5 m. greenish blue	8 m. no blue	More than 8 m. no blue	More than 8 in. left pleura' 3lue,right not. Had lainonlef'u side. Valves of heart blue. Ligaments and periost. none.
! Kitten. j	Idem. ~< 1-2 in. blue strongest		5 l-2m> strong blue	Morethan91-2m|9 l-2n>. pleura blue-Afterwards Idoubtful.bladder valves and chord tendin. blue 1 inside no blue |Lining memb.of heart ro blue		
j Idem !	1 drachm of solution	4 l-2m.no blue	4 1-2 m. no blue	7 1-2 m. no blue	More than 7 1-2 m. no blue.	More than 7 l-;2m. pleura pul-mon.blue. Peritoneum no blue
Kitten 11 1-2 drachms of More than 7 [ ! solution |l-2m.doubtful !			More than 7 1-2 m. no blue	Upper part thor. duct,contents:& ad-joining surface 7 L-2 m. blue		
Cat	1 drachm of so-lution	7 m. weakly blue	7 l-2m.strong-ly blue	16 l-2m. no evident More than 18 1-2 Cava descend, serum 18 l-2m. blue m. no blue no blue		
Cat	Idem	4 1-2 m. no blue	3 1-2m. blue	14 1-2 m. no blue	i 31 1-2 m. no blue	
Kitten	Idem.					1 Lay on left side.Right lung4 l-2i m.feft lung 6m. neither blue-inj 2 or 3 m. more both blue. Un-j certain if now alive. i
Id. com-parative	1 1-2 drachms of solution					Tried 6m. after death. In 21m. the liquor pericardii blue j
 
Experiments  on Veins and Lymphatics.         U'
  "The animals generally died in about a minute from the in-
jection, from suffocation, by the ligatures which we placed on
the tracheas of most of them.   These experiments, we think,
go to favour the  idea that absorption from the mucous mem-
brane of the lungs, is performed principally by the pulmona-
ry veins;  but we do not feel .prepared to give a positive opin-
ion from such limited inquiries.  We  would, however,  lay
particular stress upon experiments 5th, and 6th of the prece-
ding  table;   (Nos.  65  and 66 of the list.)   In  the first, the
blood from the left side of the heart  indicated the agent in
much larger proportion  than that from the right side,  both
being examined about the same time, viz. 7 minutes.  In the
second, where the examination was made in  a much shorter
period, viz. 3 1-2 and 4 1-2 minutes, the article  was distinct-
ly found in  the left side of the heart before it had arrived in
any other part of the system.
   The effect of infiltration is also remarkable.   The last i:s
also probably a case of it.
   The results of five trials of the prussiate in  the cavity of
the abdomen are here arranged for inspection.
Animals	Quantity.	Thor. Duct	Carotid & Jugular	Urine	\ Miscellaneous
Kitten	1.2oz.of so-lution	12 & 13 m. distinct blue	6 m. dis-tinct blue	19 in. no blue	
Idem	Idem.	4 in. blue	2m. no blue	10 or 15 m. no blue. 29 m. distinct blue	
Idem	Idem, near-	33-4m.blue	2m. no blue	5 m. blue, not strongly	
Idem	1-2 oz.	3 m. blue	4m. strong-ly blue	Morethan4m. doubtful	
Cat	Uncertain J91-2m.blue		6m. no blue	More than 9| l-2m. no blue 1 l	
  The short time in which the prussiate reached the upper
part of the thoracic duct in the above  cases, induced us to
make four other trials in order to ascertain the earliest period
at which that  took place.   Half  an ounce of solution wa,
employed in each case.                      .
  In the first animal, a kitten, the salt first arrived at the _Po
.-.f observation in four minutes, and the quantity, gradually v.. 
16         Experiments on Veins and Lymphatics.
creased till 7 or 0 minutes.  In the second kitten, it  appear-
ed in 2 minutes.   The serum of this animal gave a blue.   In
the third kitten, in 3 1-2 minutes.  Serum of blood also blue.
In the cat, it first appeared in 13 minutes.
  In these cases the  thoracic duct was cut off near its inser-
tion; and the test applied there.  In consequence  of this in-
terruption, previously to the prussiate arriving at  the upper
extremity of the duct, the discovery of the salt in  the serum
of the  blood clearly evinces that it was conveyed thereby
other channels.
  The next experiment with the prussiate, we postpone till
we speak of those made with nux vomica.
  It has long been supposed by many physiologists that the
process of absorption continues after animal death; and this
has been assigned by some as a reason for the small quantity
of blood found in the  arteries of human subjects.  We do not,
however,  know of any published proof that this process  so
continues in the lymphatics.   It is mentioned by  Magendie
that he  has seen, on pressing the lacteal  branches so as to
discharge their contents in the direction of the trunks, that
those branches would again fill themselves after the animal's
death.   We have witnessed  these  appearances  ourselves;
but we do not know  of any similar observations made on the
lymphatics,  or of any evidence of the  actual chemical pre-
sence of any article conveyed after death into either of these
systems from without.
   Four kittens were bled to what is commonly  considered
death.  The blood ceased to flow from  the  divided  carotid,
and voluntary motion was extinct.   Prussiate of potass in so-
lution  was then thrown into the abdomen.   It appeared  at
the thoracic duct in  5 1-2, 5, 14 and  12 minutes respectively.
In the  two last, the great vessels originating at the heart were
secured by a common ligature.  The blue colour was in every
instance perfectly distinct.
   With  a strong  solution of the  green  sulphate of iron, we
made  the following trials, testing  it with the prussiate of
potass. 
WITH GREEN SULPHATE OF IRON.
.Animals	Place of inj.	Quantity.	Duct. Thor General Circulation.		Urine.	Miscellaneous.
, Kitten	Small intes-tines	Half ounce solution	52m. no in-dication	Carotid 37 m. no blue		Sulphate entered the stomach
j Cat.	QEsop. and 13 drachms stomach I solution		6 hours 46 m. no blue		6 h. 60m. no blue External surface of the stomach 6 h. 53 m. no blue. Stomach and rectum contained the salt.	
Kitten	Abdomen 6 drachms j solution		29 m. deep blue	Carotid more than 18 m. doubtful, but prob-able	31 m. strong blue	
Idem	Idem	Idem	27m. strong blue.		More than 27 m. no indication.	
Idem	Idem	I oz. and 23m. strong 1 drachm blue		More than 23 m. no indication	More than 23 m. no indication	»
Idem	Cellular tis-sue	1 ounce	31 m. no indie.	Carotid more than 40 m. no indication	48 m. no indica-tion	'
Idem I Idem j 6 drachms			More than More than 10 m. no 10m. strong blue blue |		More than 10 m. no blue	
 
u
Experiments on Veins and Lymphatics.
  In reasoning upon the subject  of absorption, the question
has frequently arisen whether the articles found in the living
fluids exist there as chemical substances, or have their chem-
ical  nature altered and animalized by the action of the ves-
sels through which  they have  entered the system.  In other
words, it has been inquired whetherthe chemical results we ob-
tained were produced without previously causing the death of
the fluid, and thus again reducing it to the influence of chem-
ical laws, from which its vitality had previously entirely pro-
tected it.   The instantaneous changes which take place in
the recent chyle on applying the test, seem to forbid the idea
of two successive alterations being produced, and one of them
commonly so gradual in its progress as the extinction  of life.
It was, however, deemed a curious subject of inquiry, whether
artificial chemical changes can take place in the fluids while
they  continue to circulate in living vessels, and the ordinary
actions of life go on.  We can hardly consider fluids as hav-
ing  undergone a change from life to death, while they con-
tinue to permeate the living organs, including the brain, and
all the  functions continue with no greater disturbance  than
naturally ensues from doing so great violence to the system, as
is necessary to the experiment.   We  commenced by throw-
ing prussiate of potass into the abdomen, and green sulphate
of iron  into the cellular tissue,  in order to try whether the
well known result of their admixture, the prussian blue, would
be produced in the vessels.   This,  however, did  not  take
place; and we resolved to repeat it, by throwing the sulphate,
as  the article of more difficult absorption, into the abdomen,
where this process  went on with more facility, and the prus-
siate into the cellular substance.  On performing this, we
were gratified by the striking result of a distinct and  beauti-
ful blue in the thoracic trunk, and its contents, and in nearly
the whole substance and surface, of the lungs.  These viscera
 were preserved in spirits, and are now in our possession.  The
blood threw up  a coagulum of a  strong blue colour, and
the lymph and chyle from the thoracic duct,  threw down  a
blue deposit.   Thus not only a foreign, but a pulverulent sub-
stance  could present  its  unnatural stimulus, and circulate
through the vessels, and could accumulate in the lungs, with-
 out preventing the actions of life from considerable exertion,
 and without occasioning coagulation of the blood.  The ani-
 mal manifested some difficulty of respiration before  she was
 killed, but walked  about without the least difficulty,  and ut-
 tered no cries, nor other signs  of disturbance of its  powers.
 In another cas*.-. the urine and lungs are  noted in our journal 
Experiments on Veins and Lymphatics.          i9
as exhibiting a blue.  The other parts similar to those above
enumerated are not described as being found coloured.   In a
third, the fluid in the thoracic duct was blue, but not the oth-
er fluids  examined, nor the lungs.  Two unsuccessful trials
were also made.  In another case the thoracic duct was tied,
and the same process repeated.  A decided bluish green was
here found in the urine; but neither the serum of the arterial
blood nor the lymph of the ductus thoracicus manifested  the
blue or green.   Several inferences may be drawn  from this
experiment, with which we shall not now trouble the reader.
   We repeated the celebrated experiment  of Magendie, in
which he separated a limb from the  body, except  by the dou-
ble attachment of either an artery and a vein or of their two
columns  of blood circulating through  quills.  We  employed
nux vomica, and succeeded entirely in one case without  the
quills, and in two in which they were  used.   In six other ca-
ses, two of which were with prussic acid, we failed. In con-
ducting this distressing operation, we have not  escaped the
mortification of disappointment;  it has, however, been grati-
fying to us  as far as we went to verify the results of. this  en-
terprising physiologist.  They depend, however, on symptoms
for their evidence, chemical proof of the presence of nux vom-
ica not being capable of exhibition.   In one experiment, (No.
 78,) while waiting the result of an introduction "of nux vomi-
 ca, made ten minutes previously, two drachms of the solution
 of prussiate of potass which we employed,  were forced into
 the cellular substance of  the  separated limb, from a pointed
 syringe.   This salt was afterwards detected in the body, after
 having passed through the quill  with the  column of venous
 blood; thus rendering visible its actual transition, and confirm
 ihg the results of Magendie
            LIST OF EXPERIMENTS.
    « CONTINUATION OF THOSE WITH COLOURED SUBSTANCES.
                A. In the alimentary canal.
  1. A bitch of rather a large size, was fed on meat contain-
ing prussian blue.   Of this latter, she ate nine ounces and a
half during twenty-two days; two ounces and a half of which
were consumed during the last twenty-four hours.
  Serum from the jugular vein and from the heart, two par-
cels of chyle and lymph from  the thoracic  duct, the lacteal
vessels themselves, the mysentery, the outer surface of the in- 
2&
Experiments  on Veins and Lymphatics*
testines and stomach, sections of the os femoris, through the
center of both ends, the cellular substance, the brain and up-
per part of the medulla spinalis, the inside of the  bladder,
the pleura and the heart, underwent the fullest and most sat-
isfactory examination, and were totally free from any unusual
colour.  The contents of the intestinal canal were very deep-
ly coloured, throughout its whole length, with the blue.
   On the next day, the fluid of the thoracic  duct and  the se-
rum of the blood, were tested with sulphate of copper,  and
sulphate of iron, but without  detecting the  presence  of the
prussic acid.
   2. A kitten, during three hours and forty-one minutes, ate
as much as she could be made to eat, of a strongly coloured
mixture of  indigo and milk.
   On killing the animal, neither the serum of  the blood, nor
.the urine, was coloured with the indigo;  though the inside of
the whole alimentary canal was found most strongly so.
                B- In the abdominal cavity.
   3. A decoction of one drachm of cochineal  in two ounces
of water was thrown into the abdomen of a half-grown kitten.
In eight minutes  she  vomited*  This continued one or  two
minutes.
   In  fifty-two minutes, the  animal  having been pithed, the
heart still  beating, the thoracic duct was found visibly red-
dish.   In fifty-nine minutes, infiltration to a  considerable ex-
tent, was visible on the cellular substance beneath the perito-
neum.  The chyle did not give a black with red sulphate of
iron;  but it requires a considerable proportion of cochineal to
produce that effect.   Serum of the blood did afford a black-
ness with the red sulphate.
   4. An ounce and a  half of saturated tincture of red saun-
ders in diluted alcohol, was thrown into the abdomen of a cat.
Almost immediately on removing the pipe, the operation hav-
ing taken up several  minutes, the breath smelled strongly of
alcohol.  The animal soon became  quite  insensible.   The
chyle was found of its natural appearance.
   5. Five drachms of a strongly coloured solution of arnatto
were  injected into the abdomen of a kitten,  In one hour and
two minutes, the animal was killed  and blood  obtained from
the carotid artery.  In one hour sixteen minutes, the bladder
was removed.  No unusual colour was detected in any of the
fluids.
   6. Five drachms of a strongly coloured infusion  of turmer-
ic were thrown into the abdomen of a kitten.  In  17 minutes
die blood of the jugular rein; in 18, that of the carotid;  ic 
           Et per intents on Veins and Lymphatics.        21

jj \-~> the thoracic duct, and in 21,its fluid contents were ex-
hibited to view.  Neither the recent fluids, the d-uct, nor the
<erum obtained from the blood by retaining, it till the next
day gave any appearance of the colour.
  7. About a quarter of an ounce of a deeply coloured mix-
ture of prussian blue and water was thrown into the abdomen
of a kitten.  In two hours and a half, the kitten was killed.
The celullar substance covering the abdomen was thought to
have a bluish  colour.   The urine presented a natural ap-
pearance; but,  on adding sulphate of iron, it became blue.
The mucous surface of the bladder presented similar appear-
ances.  The serum of the blood from the neck, was not blue
either with or without the addition of sulphate of iron.  The
papilla of the  kidney was  similar to the bladder in its ap-
pearances.   A section  of the liver afforded no  indications,
nor did the outer surface of the intestines.   It was found that
the prussiate of iron here used, contained some alkaline prus-
siate mixed with it.
  8. Four ounces  of a deeply coloured mixture of prussiate
of iron were thrown into the abdomen of a kitten.
  In two hours and fifty minutes, the animal was killed.  The
colour of the urine was natural, but it gave a blue on adding
persulphate of iron, (the prussiate as before being impure.)
                  C. In the cellular tissue^
  9. About an ounce of a decoction of cochineal, in the pro-
portion of two drachms to four ounces of water, was injected
into the cellular substance over the abdomen of a kitten.  In
an hour and eleven minutes, the animal having been previous-
ly pithed, the  thoracic  duct was  tied.  The fluid contents
were perfectly  white.   Serum of the blood from the aorta af-
forded no peculiar appearance, until on adding caustic potass,
when it became visibly  purplish.

               II.  WITH PRUSSIATE OF  POTASS.
                A. In the alimentary canal.
  a. Without disturbing the natural condition of the parts.
  10. Two kittens were fed on milk containing fifteen grains
of prussiate of potass, of which the present one took about
one fourth.
  In forty-nine minutes the thoracic duct was opened and flu-
id obtained, which afforded no blue with the test.
  In forty-five minutes the urine—no blue.
  The salt was found in the alimentary tube as far as the mid-
dle of the great intestine. 
23         Experiments on Veins and Lymphaticss

   11.  The  remaining kitten had  swallowed the rest of thfe
mixture.  In seventy-nine minutes the urine afforded no blue.
Of the other fluids we have no memorandum.
   12.  Another kitten swallowed about  seven grains of the
salt in some milk.  Part  of this was eaten about noon, and
the remainder  about five hours afterwards.  The fasces and
urine gave a blue with the test.
   In nine minutes after she had done eatingj blood was ob-
tained from the jugular vein, and in ten minutes from  the
carotid artery, the serum of neither of which gave a blue
with the test.
   The bladder, on its internal coat gave, as might be expect-
ed, a strong blue.   Its external surface was then examined,
with a view to  discover  infiltration  of  the  prussiate, if any
existed, but without exhibiting it.
   13.  A large dog had taken a considerable quantity of prus-
siate of potass dissolved in mill., at three periods of two hours
apart.   He was then made the subject of a trial of experi-
ment 102, in this list, and finally bled to death, at 4 1-2 hours
after the last feeding.  The fluids of the thoracic duct gave
a slight blue.   Serum  of blood from the vena portfe a blue,
stronger than the last.  Serum from the femoral artery, no
blue.  Urine a deep blue.  Liquor pericardii, perceptible.
   14.  A  small bitch swallowed a considerable  quantity  of
prussiate  of potass  at  two feedings, with an interval of two
hours.
   In five hours and ten minutes, blood was obtained from the
vena portae.   The serum gave, next  day, a strong blue.  At
five hours twenty-eight minutes, a ligature  was placed • upon
the thoracic duct, and the fluid removed four  minutes after,
gave no^evident blue.  In five hours and thirty-nine minutes.
the urine gave a distinct blue.
   15. A rabbit had  swallowed a quantity of the  prussiate in
milk at three times, with intervals of three hours, and near
three hours  and a half.  At about fifty-three minutes the li- -
quor pericardii became faintly greenish  with the test, in our
judgment, but rather doubtful.   Fluid  of the thoracic duct
at 1 hour  2 minutes, gave a distinct blue.  Pelvis of kidney
at 1 hour 4 minutes, afforded blue.   Serum from blood of ve-
na portarum obtained at 1 hour 7 minutes—strong blue. Se-
rum of blood from the right side of the heart in 1 hour 8 min-
utes—■strong blue.  Same fluid from the  left side of the heart,
tyue.  Valves, distinctly so in their substance.   The  cellular
substance of several parts of the  body was examined, and,
gave a distinct blue.  The ligaments of  the knee joint, cap- 
Experiments on Veins and Lymphatics.         23
tular  and lateral, gave a blue.  The animal had been used,
in the interval  between feeding and  opening,  for experi-
ment  105.
  16. A middle-sized dog drank some milk  containing about
half a drachm of prussiate  of potass, at one time.   He was
then employed for experiment 104.
  In 1 hour 48 minutes  blood was taken from an intercostal
vein near the sternum;  the serum of which gave a blue.
  In 1 hour 54 minutes the  urine afforded a blue, but not
strongly.   It was not visible till more than usual of the  sul-
phate of iron was added.
  In 2 hours 4 minntes the fluid of the thoracic duct gave u
blue.
  In  2  hours 7 minutes blood from the  cava ascendens  and
right  side of the  heart, mixed, was procured.  The  serum af-
terwards- gave a bhie.   The valves of the heart gave a blue.
  In 2 hours 22 minutes blood  from  the femoral artery  and
vein.  Both afforded a blue in the serum.
  In  2  hours 37 minutes from the vena portarum.   Of  this
enough was not  obtained, owing to the death and exhaustion
of the animal.
   17. A small dog swallowed near a drachm of prussiate of
potass, in milk.  He then underwent experiment 100.
   In  2 hours 2 minutes blood was taken from the femoral ar-
tery, the serum  of which gave  a blue with the test.  Serum
of the mesenteric artery gave a stronger blue.   That from
the right side of the heart, a blue.  That from the vena  por-
tarum, none.  The urine, a blue.
   AH these were removed within ten minutes from the first;
   In  the subsequent experiments, the animals were starved
for a day or two previously to commencing the operations, un-
less otherwise expressed in the  descriptions.
   18. A cat had  2 drachms of the  solution injected down
her throat.
   Serum of bloood taken from  the vena portarum in 34 1-2
minutes gave a blue.
   That of the aorta, taken in 38 1-2 minutes, a blue.    The
 fluid of the thoracic duct in 46  1-2 minutes, blue.  Serum
 from the vena cava, afterwards, a blue.
   19. A small but full grown  dog was made to drink some
 milk containing two scruples of the prussiate.  In 28 minutes
 blood was obtained from  the vena portarum; in 31 minutes
 from the external iliac artery;  in 34 minutes liquor pericar-
 dii;  in 37 minutes blood from the right side of the heart; and
 in 40 minutes fluid from the thoracic duct:  none of which, on 
2i         Expzriminls on Veins and Lymphatics.
 the usual treatment, afforded a blue.  The last mentionedfluid
 was reddish at its upper end for about half an inch, and above
 a bifurcation found there.  The urine in 47 minutes gave a
 blue.
   20.  A small dog was fed on milk containing half a drachm
 of the prussiate.   This animal had eaten  within five or
 six hours  previously.   The fluid  of the thoracic  duct and
 the serum of each  of the parcels of blood obtained were white
 and chylous.   He was not employed for any other experi-
 ment.   In  25minutes, blood from the jugular vein was obtain-
 ed: in 42 minutes, from the aorta;  in 50 minutes, the fluid of
 the ductus thoracicus; the urine at 55 minutes; and subse-
 quently the pelvis of a kidney examined. None o fthese gave
 any blue*, when  examined in the usual manner.   The serum
 of blood taken from the vena portarum in 35 minutes was con-
 sidered suspicious.  Urine after being kept for several  days.
 produced a blue.
   21.  Two drachms of the above mentioned prussian solu-
 tion were injected down the throat  of a half grown kitten.
 A stomach tube was used in these cases.
   In  16 minutes blood of the vena  portarum was obtained*
 and in 17 of the aorta.  The serum  of each of these gave a
 blue nearly equal in intensity.   The indications afforded by
 the fluids from the vena  cava, the  thoracic duct,  and the
 right side of the heart are lost.  It  is most probable that a
 sufficient quantity of that of the thoracic duct was not obtain-
 ed.  The urine, in 12  minutes, a strong blue.   The empty
 bladder, still moist, a faint blue.   The cavity of the abdo-
 men, no blue.   The external surface  of the stomach in 31
 minutes, a blue.   The  pelvis of a kidney in 34 minutes, blue.
 The substance of the same viscus, no blue.
   22. A cat had been starved ten days, in consequence of her
 having escaped and hid herself in a situation where she could
 not get food.   Two drachms  of the saturated solution were
 then injected down the animal's throat,, and water was after-
 wards thrown in  to wash it more completely down.
   The following results were found by the usual process:  In
 the contents of the
     Vena portarum             in 10 min. blue, but not so
                                      much as the aorta.
    Aorta                         12 min. blue.
     Right ventr. of the heart       14 min. blue.
 ^"ne                              20 min. faint blue.
 Fluid of the thoracic duct           24 min. blue.
  Pelvis of a kidney, blue.  Cellular substance of the thigh.
blue. 
Experiments on Veins and Lymphatics.         25
  23. Two drachms of the solution were injected through a
lube down the oesophagus of a Cat.
                         Results.
  In the serum from the aorta in 11 min. faint but distinct blue.
  Liquor pericardii           13 min. no blue.
  Outside of the stomach      19 min. no blue.
  Fluid of the thoracic duct   22 min. distinct blue, but not
                       exceeding that of the aortal serum.
  Urine                       28 min. no distinct blue.
  24. Two drachms were injected down the oesophagus of a
large cat.
  The serum of the aortal blood, obtained in 9 minutes,  was
accidentally obscured, so as to prevent a  judgment; as  also
that of the right side of the heart, obtained in 12 1-2 minutes.
The fluid of the thoracic duct at 17 minutes, and again at 23
minutes, and the urine at 20 minutes, gave no blue, although
fairly exposed and examined.
  25. Two drachms of the solution were injected  down the
oesophagus of another cat.
                         Results.
  Serum of the aorta             in  7 min. blue.
  Urine                              15 min. no blue.
  Fluid  of the thoracic duct           12 1-2 min. no blue.
  26. Two drachms of the same were injected  down the
throat of a kitten.
                          Results.
  Serum of the aorta                in   6 min.'  blue.
  Serum of the right side of the heart    10 1-2 min. blue.
  Urine                                20 min.  blue.
  27.  Two drachms of the same down the oesophagus of an-
other kitten.
                          Results*
  Serum of the vena  portarum            7 min.  blue.
               Aorta                    8 min.  blue.
               Right side of the heart    11 min.  blue.
  Outer surface of the stomach               —blue.
  Fluid  of the thoracic duct            17 min. tinged blue.
  28. Two drachms of the same down the oesophagus of an:
other kitten.
                          Results.
  Serum of the aorta                  6 min. blue.
  Serum of the right side of the heart   8 min. not blue.
  Fuid of the thoracic duct            12 min. faint blue.
   ?P.  Two drachms of the same down the cesophagn* of a cat.
D 
->,-,         Experiments on Veins and Lymphatkr.

                         Results.
  Serum of the  vena portarum   7 min.  faint light blue..
         of the aorta             8 min.  no blue.
  Fluid of the thoracic duct     14 min.  no blue.
  Urine                                no blue.   _
  30.  Nearly four drachms  of the solution  were  injected
down the oesophagus of a cat.
                         Results.
  ijrme                             6 1-2 min.  not blue.  '
  Serum of the vena portarum        9 min.  blue.
  Fluid of the thoracic duct         16 1-2 min.  not blue.
  b.  By securing it within the rectum by  a ligature.
  3*1. About a drachm and a half of the solution were  injec-
ted into  the  rectum  of  a  kitten.   She suffered so much
from securing the anus with a ligature, which  was obliged to
be passed through  by two stitches, that she appeared to be
dead when the operatoin  was done.  She, however, soon re-
covered, and exhibited great uneasiness.
                         ■Results.
  Serum of the  blood obtained  from the  jugular vein in 57
t-2 minutes exhibited  no blue; nor did that from the carotid
or the vena portarum, nor the fluid from the the thoracic duct;
all of which was extracted in a  very short time after, and in
the order here enumerated.
  The urine  a)rorded a strong blue, as also  the  pelvis  of a
kidney.
  c.  By cutting into and  securing the oesophagus in the neck.
  32.  Two drachms of a saturated solution  of prussiate
of potass  were injected into the oesophagus of a pretty  well
grown kitten, through an  opening, and  secured by tying the
oesophagus.  The wound, when this was done, wa= in  all in-
stances carefully secured  from the effect of  the prussiate.
  In 5 minutes the current of blood in the  vena portarum
was arrested by  a ligature,  and  blood was then extracted, the
serum of which gave  no blue, with  red sulphate of iron.  In
7 1-2 minutes the thoracic duct was tied; its  contents, when
removed and examined at 24 minutes, gave no blue.   About
12 minutes, or nearly so, she died, from opening the thorax.
   The urine, at 26 minutes, gave a strong blue.  The surface
of the stomach, soon afterwards, gave no blue.   Serum  from
the general circulation gave no  blue.
   33.  Four drachms of  a  saturated solution of prussiate of
potass were tin own into the stomach of a rabbit, through an
.opc..i..ig in the eesop a^s., av:d the opening tied.
   Blood of the  vena portarum, of which the serum was af- 
Experiments on Veins and Lymphatics.
 Awards examined, was obtained in 14  1-2  minutes;  that
 from the aorta in 18 1-2 minutes; that from the right ventri-
 cle of the heart in 22  1-2 minutes; the urine  in 25 1-2; and
 the inside  of the thoracic duct  exposed to a test in  34 1-2.
 In none of these situations did the test afford a blue colour.
   34. A young rabbit was treated in the same way, and the
 same quantity of fluid was employed.
   In 21  minutes the serum of the vena portarum was procur-
 ed, and it could produce  no blue.  In 24  1-2 minutes the se-
 rum of the vena cava ascendens was likewi-e obtained, and
 the same result ensued.  In 28 minutes the  urine gave a strong
 blue.   In 30 minutes the fluid of the  ductus thoracicus ga\<
 an evident light blue.   In 34 minutes the cellular tissue,  a
 blue.  In 38 minutes a section of the papilla of a kidney, the
 same result; and in 40 1-2 minutes the capsule of a joint.
   35.. Two drachms of the  saturated solution were injected
 into the stomach of a rabbit, through an opening made in the
 oesophagus, and  secured by tying the orifice.  The  annual
 was languid  at the time of the experiment.
                          Results.
   Serum of the blood of the
         Vena portarum        in 19 1-2 min. blue.
         Aorta                   23 1-2 min. blue.
   Liquor pericardii                25 1-2 min. no blue.
   Urine                          28 1-2 min. strong blue.
   Serum from the right side of the heart          a blue.
   Pelvis of ihe kidneys                        a blue
   36. Two drachms of the prussiate solution  Ave re injected
 into the stomach of a young rabbit, and a ligature made on the
 oesophagus.
                         Results.
   Serum from the vena portarum in 15 min.  slightly blue.
     From the right side of the heart 24 1-2 min.  slightly blue.
  Urine                          33 min.  green.
   37. A half grown kitten without any other visible cause than
confinement and bad air, lost her health, and took no food for 10
days.  Two drachms of the  prussiate solution  were injected
down her oesophagus from an opening, and the  orifice tieS.
                          Results.
  Fluid of the thoracic duct    40 min.  deep blue.
  Urine                      42 1-2  min.  very deep blue.
  Liquor pericardii            44  min.  light, but obvious blue.
  The thoracic duct                   blue.
  The cellular substance, in more than 48 minutes, became blue.
She kidneys, also, gave a.blue through their suUlance.
  3S. Two  drachms of the  solution  were  in  lik'- mami'i: 
-28         Experiments on Veins and Lymphatics*

thrown into another kitten, and the orifice tied.  In five min-
utes the  animal died.
  In twelve minutes, nearly, the following fluids were remo-
ved from the body; viz. urine which gave no blue; blood
from the right side of the heart, the serum of which gave rt
blue; and blood from the aorta, a  slight blue.
  39.  Two drachms of the solution were injected and secur-
ed in the same way, in another kitten.
                          Results.
  Serum  from the vena portarum     in 22  min. blue.
                 Aorta                23  min. blue.
  Urine                              33  min. blue.
  Fluid of the thoracic duct            40  min. light blue.
  40.  Another kitten  underwent the same circumstances,
with a drachm and a half of the solution*
                         Results.
  Serum  from the vena portarum  in 11 min. strongly blue.
             Aorta                13  min.  same, but not stv
                                           much.
  Fluid of thoracic duct             17  min.  very faint blue,
  Urine                           20  min.  blue.
  41.  Another kitten undenvent the same circumstances.
                          Results^
  Serum  from the vena portarum    8 1-2 min. blue, strongest
  Aorta                           9 1-2 min. blue, weakest
  Fluid of the thoracic duct        15 1-2 min. light blue.
  Urine                          18 min.  faint blue.
  Serum  from the right side of the heart    blue.
  42.  Another Kitten  half grown underwent the same  with
two drachms of prussian solution-
                          Results.
  Serum  from the vena portarum in 11 min. pretty strongly blue.
  Aorta                          13 min. pretty strongly blue.
  Liquor pericardii              15 min. uncertain.
  Serum  right side of heart        16  1-2 min. faintly blue, but
                   the colour confused from an accidental cause
  Fluid of the thoracic duct        20 min. blue.
  Urine                         23 min. faintly blue.
  d. After tying the trunk of the vena portarum alone.
  43.  The vena portarum of a nearly grown kitten was tied.
separating it from the capsule of Glisson.   Two drachms of
the prussiate solution were then injected down the oesophagus*
                         Results.
  Urine, during life,                in 18 min. not blue.
  External coat of the stomach          21 min. blue.
  Serum  of the carotid artery           27 min. deep blue.
        Of the rightside »f the heart    30  min. deep bin* 
           Experiments on Veins and Lymphatics'.          2c*

  Fluid of the thoracic duct            34 min. strong blue.
  Urine, a second time, and after 34 min. not blue.
  Inner coat of the bladder afforded a degree of blue.
  Papilla of kidney, not blue.
  44.  A small dog had been used in an attempt to perform
the experiment of Magendie upon the artery and vein of the
thigh; but owing to the smallness of the vessels, it failed; the
poison not being inserted.  The vena portarum was carefully
tied, and two drachms of the prussiate solution injected down
the oesophagus.
  In 27 minutes, blood  of the carotid artery was procured,
Ihe serum of which gave no blue.  This animal was so much
weakened and disordered by the operation  that we felt no
certainty in the results obtained; although we deem it a pro-
per attention to candour to insert it.
  e. Tying the vena portarum, the cardia, and duodenum.
  45.  A drachm and a half of the prussiate solution were in-
jected into the stomach of a half groAvn kitten, through the
duodenum.  Previously to this, the cardia and the capsule of
Glisson were secured by ligatures.  After the  injection, the
duodenum was tied, just below the pylorus.
   The solution in these instances, was carefully  prevented
from contact with any part lower than the ligature.
   Serum from the right side of the heart, obtained in 34 min-
 utes gave a blue.
   Urine, in  36 minutes, no blue.
   46.  The same parts of a large, vigorous cat were secured,
and a drachm and a  half of the solution  introduced before
closing the duodenum.  This animal had accidentally eaten,
Just before commencing the operation.
   Results.—Serum of  the  right side of the heart, and of the
aorta had both been obtained at about  39 minutes;  the first
 gave a blue, the second not.
   The section of a kidney, no blue.
   47. The same parts of a small but vigorous cat were tied,
 and a similar quantity of the prussiate  of potass thrown into
the  stomach.
   Results.—Serum of the  right side  of the heart, in 35 min-
 utes, blue, decidedly and stronger than the last.
   Section of a kidney, in  44 minutes, no blue.
   Next day, the semilunar valves of the aorta and pulmonary
 artery, the mitral and tricuspid valves,  the lining membrane
 of the left ventricle, and the inside and outside of the aorta,
 all gave a beautiful blue.
  " Tn this case, care was taken to cut only in the linea alba in 
30         Experiments on Veins and Lympfiatics.

opening the abdomen, which succeeded perfectly in prevent
ing excessive hemorrhage.
 f.  After tving the known outlets of the lymphatic system,
        without disturbing the cardia or duodenum.
  48. A female cat, of uncommon  strength and activity, was
procured.   The  thoracic duct was  secured with ligatures.
Several lvmphatics being cut, the tying of them required con-
siderable" time.   Nearly two drachms of the solution  were
then thrown into the stomach, by a tube passed down the oeso-
phagus, a part being lost.  Water  Avas then as in several oth-
er instances, injected after it, to  wash it  down more  com-
pletely.
  In 47 or48 minutes, the animal having died in little  more
than half an hour, the section of a kidney afforded a distinct
blue: the urine, having been lost,  could not he examined.
  49. The thoracic duct of a strong male cat Avas secured af-
ter a very careful dissection..  The jugular and subclavian
veins of the right side, and their common trunk, Avere next care-
fully secured by ligatures, so as to intercept all communication
BelAveen that lymphatic trunk which enters into them, and the
circulating blood.  Three drachms of the prussiate  solution
were thenthroAvn doAvn the oesophagus which was uninjured.
  In  35 minutes  the urine  was strongly blue Avith the test.
In 49 minutes the fluid of the thoracic duct also gave a strong
blue.
   50. The thoracic  duct and lymphatic trunk  of the  right
side, in a cat was secured.  In this animal the vena cava Avas
tied above the renal veins, for a particular reason.   Three
drachms of the  prussiate solution were then injected  down
the animal's throat.  The abdomen was sewed up.  In 17 min-
ales the animal died.
   Results.—Serum from the right side of the heart, in 20 min*
utes, gave a blue.
   Urine                           22 min. no blue.
  Kidney                          32 min. no blue.
  Fluid of the thoracic duct          37 min. no blue.
  Same                           42 min. no blue.
  Same                           60 min. no blue.
  g.  After tying both the lymphatic trunks, and the cardia
and duodenum.
   51.  The cardia and the lymphatic trunks of a cat were se-
cured by ligatures.  Two drachms  of the prussiate solution
were thrown  into  the  stomach,  and  the duodenum  tied.
   In 32 minutes  the blood  was taken from the right side of
'he heart, the serum of  Avhich gave  a strong blue. 
            Experiments on Veins and Lymphatics.         81

li. After tying both the lymphatic trunks and the vena porta-
     rum, leaving the cardia and duodenum undisturbed.
   52. The lymphatic trunks and the vena portarum of a cat
were secured by ligatures, and three drachms of the satura-
ted solution injected down the oesophagus.   In 31 minutes the
animal died.
   Serum from the right side of the heart, in 36 minutes, gave,
in the usual Avay, a deep blue.  Immediately afterwards that
of the left  side Avas obtained, which also  gave a deep blue.
The  outside of the stomach then gave a blue.   The urine,
none.   The fluid of the thoracic duct, a blue.  The serum of
the vena portarum, a blue.
   53.  The same  vessels of another cat were tied, and two
drachms of  the solution injected down the oesophagus.
   In forty-eight minutes, and subsequently to the death of the
animal,  blood was obtained  from the right side of the heart,
which gave a blue; that from the aorta, also a blue; and the
urine, which gave none.   The outside of the stomach gave a
blue during life.
   54. The  same Aressels were tied in another cat, of full si/a .
Two drachms of the  prussiate solution Ave re then injecteu
down the throat.
                          Results.
   Serum from the aorta in                  30 nun.  blue.
   From  the  right side of the heart           36 min.  blue.
   Urine and sections of  the kidneys, no blue.
   55.  The same  vessels  being  tied  in  another  cat. two
 drachms of the solution Averc introduced down  the oesopha-
 gus.  The  serum of  blood obtained from the  right  side of
 the heart in 25 minutes, gave a slight blue.  That of the ve-
 na portarum and splenic vein, in this short interval of time
 o-ave no visible blue;  nor did the urine.
 °i.  After securing both  the vena portarum, the lymphatir
            trunks, and the cardia and duodedum.
   56. These parts of a half grown  cat having been secured,
 including the whole capsule of Glisson, two drachms of the
 solution were injected into the  stomach and retained there by
 tightening  the ligature of the duodenum.   A drop or two of
 the fluid fell on the peritoneal coat of the stomach.
   In 25 minutes the blood of the right  side of the heart was
 obtained, it gave no  blue.  In 32 minutes the inner  surface
 of the bladder was also examined, and it gave no blue.
   In 29 minutes, and after the  animal had been killed,  by
 opening the thorax and  the heart;  the surface  of the stom-
 ach, when  moistened with the sulphate of iron, gave no blue. 
 S3          Experiments on Veins and Lymphatics.

 Forcible contractions succeeded, and in a minute and a half,
 the colour appeared.
   57.  The  same parts were tied  in  another cat, and two
 drachms of  the prussiate  solution  thrown into the stomach.
 The serum from the right side of the heart in upAvards of 23
 minules, became bluish Avith the test.   The urine undeiwent
 no change.
   58.  The same parts were tied in a cat not fully grown.  A
 drachm and a half of the solution we,re then thrown into the
 stomach.  The serum from the right side  of the heart gave
 no blue.  It was taken in 25  minutes. • The urine gave no
 blue in 36 1-2 minutes.
   59.  The same parts were tied in  a strong cat, and a drachm
 and a  half of the prussiate solution thrown into the stomach.
   Serum from  the right side of the heart in 26 minutes, no
 blue.
   Urine 28  minutes,  no blue.  At 29  minutes, the animal
 having died in consequence of opening the thorax, the exter-
 nal surface of the stomach became blue in one quarter of a
 minute.
 k. Comparative.—The stomach being cut off by ligature from
              all connection with  the system.
   60.  A  kitten rather more than half grown was  used for
 this experiment.  Ligatures were placed upon the cardia, the
 capsule of Glisson, the duodenum three inches from the pylo-
■ rus, and all other parts immediately connected with the stom-
 ach ; so as to exclude this organ from all communication with
 the system.   Two drachms of a saturated solution of the salt
 were  injected into the stomach through the  duodenum, and
 the wound closed by  ligatures.  Care was taken to prevent
 the contact  of the fluid with other parts.  The stomach soon
 became very dark coloured.
   In 31 minutes, blood from the carotid, in 34 minutes, blood
 from the  right side  of the heart,  and  in 37 minutes, urine
 were obtained; but none  of them  indicated the presence of
 the article.   Neither did the papilla of; a kidney indicate  it.
 But the test being applied to the exterior surface of the stom-
 ach, almost immediately after the injection, produced a beau-
 tiful blue.
               B. In the trachea and lungs.
 a. During life.
   61.  The  urethra of a large female ,cat was secured.  One
 drachm and a half of the solution of the prussiate of potass
 were injected from the trachea into the lungs through an in-
 cision made below the larynx.  In 5 minutes a ligature was 
           Experiments on Veins and  Lymphatics.         3d

"placed upon the great vessels leading from the heart.  In 8
minutes the thoracic  duct Avas tied; its fluid was tested, but
indicated no  blue.   Sulphate of iron being dropped in the
two sides of the chest, the pleura pulmonalis and costalis of
the left side became strongly blue, but no such appearance
Avas shown on the right  side.  The  animal had lain on the
left side.   The valves betAveen the auricles and ventricles of
the heart, became blue with the test.   The ligaments, perios-
teum and urine, indicated none of the prussiate.  The serum
from the left side of the heart, became greenish blue.  Ri<dit
side appeared  slightly bluish, but doubtful.
   62; The same experiment was repeated upon  a kitten.
The same quantity of solution Avas used.   In 5 1-2 minubs, a
ligature Avas placed Upon the great vessels of the heart, and
the blood of its two sides separately obtained in 7 1-2 minutes.
In 9 1-2 minutes, the exterior lining of the lungs and the pleu-
ra costalis gave a blue.    The serum from each side of the
heart, gave a strong blue, (the right  side  strongest;) as also
did the mitral and  tricuspid  valves.   The chordae tendinae of
|he left side, also gave a blue.  The  lining membrane of the
 ui.-ide of the heart gave no blue.  The" bladder gave no blue
on its internal surface.  The urine became blue; but it was
 doubtful Avhether the vessel  was clean.
   63. The experiment Avas  repeated on a half-grown kitten,
with the variation of throAving one drachm of the solution
through  a small pipe, which both made  a puncture through
 the trachea, and afforded a passage to the fluid.
   In 4 1-2 minutes, the A^essels Avcre tied, and then blood Avas
obtained separately  from both sides of the heart.   Neither
 indicated the salt.   The thoracic fluid Avas obtained in 7 1-2
 minutes but indicated no blue.  The urine remained colour-
 less Avith the test.  The pleura pulmonalis became blue.  The
peritoneum covering the bladder and intestines gave no blue.
    54. The trachea  of a kitten being separated from its at-
 tachments, a drachm and a half of the prussian solution were
 thrown in.  The trachea Avas then tied.   In one minute from
 the injection, death ensued.
    The upper  part of the thoracic duct, its contents, and all
 the adjoining surfaces, in 7 1-2 minules, blue with the test.
 The peritoneum, no  colour.   Serum of the right  side of the
 heart doubtful.  That of the left  side, none.
    65. A stout female cat Avas  treated in the  same manner.
 and  one drachm of the  solution introduced. -  She died in a-
bout one minute.
                             E 
>4          Experiments on Veins and Lymphatics.

                          Results.
  Serum from right side  of heart in 7 min. weakly blue.
              Left side of heart     7 1-2 min. strongly blue.
  Fluid of the thoracic duct being chyle and lymph mixed,
                                  16 1-2 min. no evident blue.
  Serum from the cava descendens    18 1-2 min. no blue.
  Urine                                     no blue.
  66. Another cat Avas treated in"the same manner, and with
the same  quantity of the solution.
                         Results.
  Serum of the abdominal aorta        in 3  1-2 min. blue.
              Abdominal venacava       4  1-2 min. no blue
  Fluid of the thoracic duct             14  1-2 min. no blue.
  Urine                               31  1-2 min. no blue.
  67. A kitten underwent the injection  of  one drachm of the
solution into her trachea.   She  Avas laid  on the left side:
those previously operated on having generally  been laid on
their backs.
  The surface of the right lung gave no blue, in 4 1-2 min-
utes; nor  that of the left lung, in 6 minutes.  In 2 or  3 min-
utes more both gave a blue.   It was now uncertain whether
the animal was still  alive.  The trachea had been left with-
out a ligature, in order to prolong her life as far as possible.
  6. Comparative.   After death.
  68. An animal, bled to death in  exp. 2,  six minutes after-
wards  was used for this one,  A  drachm  and a half of the
prussiate solution Avere thrown into the  trachea.
  In 21 minutes the pericardium and liquor pericardii became
blue under the test.   The appearances  of  the lungs have not
been preserved.
          C. In the  abdominal cavity during life.
  c. For comparing the different fluids.
  69.  Half an ounce of the saturated  solution  was injected
with a pointed syringe into the  abdominal cavity of a half
grown kitten, of uncommon strength and ferocity.   At 5 1-2
minutes the blood vessels  of her neck were divided," and in §
minutes she Avas dead.
  Chylous fluid Avas obtained from the thoracic duct between
12 and 13 minutes;  it gave a distinct blue.
   The urine, in 19 minutes, no blue.
   The serum  of the carotid artery, mixed with that of the
jugular veins, obtained in 6 minutes, gave,  a distinct blue.
   70.  Another very strong and ferocious  kitten had half an
ounce of  the solution injected into  the  abdomen.
   In 2 minutes the blood-vessels of the neck were cut, and
blood obtained; the  serum did not  yield a blue. 
             Experiments on  Veins and Lymphatics.         35

    In four minutes the thoracic duct was tied, and in 6 minutes
 the fluid extracted; this Avas chylous, and gave a blue.
    In 10 or 15 minutes the urine'gave no blue; in 29 minutes,
 a distinct one.
    It should here be borne in mind that the solution lay in con-
 tact with the bladder during this period and after death.
    71.  A quantity nearly similar was injected into the abdo-
 men of another kitten.
    Results.—Blood from the  A'essels of the neck, in 2 minutes,
 no blue.  Thoracic duct tied in  3 3-4 minutes, chylous fluid
 obtained, 6 1-2 minutes, blue.   Urine removed in 5 minutes,
1 blue,  with  the more  delicate test.  It was tried Avith the
 green sulphate, and afforded none.
    72.  Half an  ounce  was thrown  into the abdominal cavity
 of a kitten.   The thorax was immediately opened.
    The thoracic duct was tied  in 3 minutes,  the fluid, which
 was chylous, being obtained in 7 minutes, gave a blue.
    Serum from the vessels of the neck, in 4 minutes, strongly
 blue.
    Urine obtained aftenvards, doubtful.
    73. A  quantity of the  solution was thrown into the abdo-
 men of a cat.
    In 6 minutes some blood Avas taken, the serum of Avhich ga\re
 no blue.   In 9 1-2 minutes the fluid of the thoracic duct gave
 a blue.   The urine gave none.
 b. To ascertain the time  required for substances to pass from
           a serous cavity  through the thoracic duct.
    74. Half an ounce  of  the solution was thrown into the ab-
 domen of another kitten.
    In two minutes the  thoracic duct Avas exposed, and divided,
 and sulphate of iron applied to the wound, while the specta-
 tors wratched the appearances which took place.   At first, and
 for a short time, no ejfect was produced; but in 4 minutes the
 chylous  fluid which issued  began to produce a blue on com-
 ing into contact with the test, and it continued to produce an
 increased intensity till 7 or 8 minutes, Avlieri a very strong co-
 lour being exhibited, the  experiment a\ as discontinued.  The
 green sulphate was the one  here employed.
    75. This process  was repeated on another kitten, Avith the
 same quantity of the prussiate.
    In a minute and a half an ambiguous appearance was visi-
 ble; in two minutes and  a half  a distinct blue.   The- serum
 here gave a blue.
    76. The same  process was repeated upon  another kitten.
 with the  same quantity of the  solution. 
30         Experiments on Veins and Lymphatics.

  The \e-els of the neck Avere then divided.  In  two min-
utes and a half no blue appeared; in three minutes and a halt
a strong blue Avas formed.
  The serum of blood  obtained afterwards gave  a blue.
Urine uncertain.
  77. the same  process  was  repeated'with a cat, who hap-
pened to be  pregnant.
  In two minutes from the injection the thorax was  opened,
and  as soon as it could be done, the test was  applied to the
orifice of the divided thoracic duct.   At thirteen minutes the
blue first appeared.
                D. In the cellular substance.
  78. In a large bitch, employed for exp. 100, the.thigh had
been separated entirely from "the body, with the exception of
a column of blood in the  femoral artery, and another in the
vein, both circulating through quills, having the vessels com-
pletely divided.  Ten minutes after the application of the poi-
son, two drachms of the saturated solution of prussiate of pot-
ass  were injected by a sharp  pointed syringe into the cellular
substance of the separated limb.
  In 59 minutes blood was extracted from the trunk of the
femoral vein above the quill,  where it was continuous with the
animal's body; the serum of this gave a distinct blue.  Of this
there is no doubt, notwithstanding Ave were unable to detect
it in any of  the following substances, which  Avere  removed
from the body at the periods  affiixed to their names.
  Blood from the femoral artery above the  quill, 57 minutes;
the bladder, both by an infusion, and by applying the test to
its inner coat, 70  minutes; blood of the vena portarum, 75
minutes; blood of the right side of the heart, 80  minutes;
fluid of the thoracic duct, 98 minutes.
 E. To ascertain whether absorption continues after animal death.
  79. A kitten was bled  from, the carotid artery, as long as
blood Avould flow, and until the entire suspension of  volunta-
ry motion.   Two drachms of the saturated solution  of prus-
siate of potass Avere then introduced into the abdomen.
  The thoracic  duct being  divided high in the thorax, and
red sulphate of iron in solution placed in contact with it, the
fluid effused continued colourless at first, but a strong blue ap-
peared in five minutes and a half.
  The serum of blood obtained afterwards gave no blue.
  80. Another kitten  was bled in the same manner, and to
animal death.   In two minutes afterwards the thoracic duct
was divided near its upper extremity, and a colourless mix-
ture of chyle  and lymph issued.  The test Avas then applied
with no effect. 
t. rnpnmp,i!i nn  i
            Experiments on Veins and Ijymphutio..          3<"

  In three minutes two  drachms and a half of the prussiate
solution were thrown into the abdomen.
  In five minutes from this time a blue first appeared at the
orifice of division, and it became strong almost immediately.
  The urine, when tested, gave alight green tinge,similar to
that of exp. 93.   The serum, no change.
  81. Another kitten being bled to death, all the vessels at-
tached  to the  heart were effectually closed by  a ligature.
This, and the  injection of a quantity of the prussiate solu-
tion into the abdomen, wrerc performed during two minutes.
Three minutes afterwards the thoracic duct was divided, and
the issuing fluids tested, no blue was produced.
  In 14 minutes from the injection the blue colour began to
form gradually; in 16 minutes, the whole extent of the duct,
Avhere covered with  the liquid test, became blue; and  at 39
minutes the colour Avas intense.
  82. Precisely the same experiment was repeated on anoth-
er kitten.    A minute and a half after cutting the carotid and
jugular, the vessels were tied at the heart, and in two minutes
the injection was finished.
  At three minutes from that period there was no blue at the
wound in the duct.   It appeared at twelve minutes.

             III.  WITH GREEN SULPHATE OF IRON.
                  A. In the alimentary canal.
  83. Half an ounce of a strong solution of green sulphate of iron
was injected into the  small intestines of a large kitten; distribu-
ting it nearly equal upwards and downwards, from a  wound near
their middle.  Some was supposed to pass upwards into the stom-
ach.  The wounded intestine was tied, and the abdomen  stiched.
The kitten vomited, but the matter ejected gave no blue Avith prus-
siate of potass.  Vomiting again, a green was afforded.  Prussic
acid was applied, at 37 minutes, to the tongue and eye; but the ar-
ticle not appearing to be good, and not destroying life, the carotid
artery was cut, and florid blood obtained.  The serum gave no blue
with prussiate of potass.  Fluid of the thoracic duct in 52 minutes,
gave no indication of iron, either with tincture of galls or with
prussiate of potass.
  84. About three drachms of the solution Avere carefully injected
into the oesophagus of a cat, being directed downwards.  The oeso-
phagus was then tied.
  In 6 hours and 36 minutes afterwards, the animal was pithed.
                          Results..
  Fluid of the thoracic duct        in 6 hours 46 min. no blue.
  Urine                            6 hours 50 min. no blue.
  External surface of the stomach     6 hours 53 min. no blue. 
38
Experiments on Veins and Lymphatics.
   The contents  of the rectum in  6 hours 55 min gave  blue
in spots, and bluishness generally.  In 57 min. the stomach a strong
blue.
                  B. In the abdominal cavity.
   85. A kitten had had  camphor throAvn  into her rectum,  which
had effected her  nervous system powerfully, but from Avhich she
had recovered.  Two days afterwards, she had six drachms of the
solution of sulphate of iron thrown into her abdomen.  Almost im-
mediately she had three stools.  After violent struggles, she died,
in eighteen minutes.  The  serum of the blood obtained from the
carotid immediately after Avas not perfectly free from red globules,
and Avhen  prussiate of potass Avas added, it gave abroAvnish tinge,
puch as Ave have often seen  under similar circumstances.   Fluid of
the thoracic duct, in 29  minutes gave a deep  blue.    Urine, in 31
minutes, a strong blue.
   86. Six drachms of a strong solution of sulphate  of iron  were
injected into this cavity in a kitten.  In 6 minutes  she vomited;
in 16 minutes Avas convulsed; and in 25 minutes died
   The chyle in  twenty-seven  minutes gave a strong blue.  The
urine  gave no colour different from its natural one.
  8 7.  One ounce and one drachm of the same sulphate solution Avere
injected into the cavity of the abdomen of  a kitten.   In  two min-
utes the animal vomited.  In twenty minutes she died.  In tAventy-
three  minutes,-or three minutes after death, the chyle was remo-
ved, and gave a strong blue Avith prussiate of potass, and a strong,
black with tincture of galls.
   The urine indicated none of the article.   The same was obser-
ved of the serum of the blood.
                    C.  7/i the  Cellular tissue.
   88. One ounce of a strong solution of the green sulphate of iron-
was injected  into the cellular tissue  covering  the abdomen of a
healthy half-groAvn kitten.  In forty minutes the animal  Avas pith-
ed.  Blood from the carotid was obtained.  In fifty-one minutes
the thoracic fluid was obtained.  In forty-eight minutes, urine Avas
procured.   None of the fluids indicated the presence of  the salt.
   89. This experiment was repeated upon another kitten, and six
drachms were injected.   In four minutes the animal  Avas much de-
bilitated.  In ten minutes it was pithed.  The chyle gave a strong
blue.   The urine gave no blue, though a small drop of the ferru-
ginous solution Avas sufficient to strike  a visible  blue.   The serum,
obtained after death, gave no blue.

IV. DOUBLE  EXPERIMENTS WITH BOTH  THESE SUBSTANCES, TO EF-
      FECT  A.CHEMICAL CHANGE  IN  THE  LIVING VESSELS.
   90. Six drachms of the saturated solution of prussiate of potass,
were  injected  into the right side of the cavity of the  abdomen of a
large  male cat.   Six drachms  of the  strong solution of  green sul-
phate of iron were injected into.the cellular tissue over the opp-v 
            Experiments on Veins and Lymphatics.          3d

'^ite side of the abdomen.   In 37 minutes from  completing the last
injection, blood was obtained from the jugular vein.  In 40 minutes
the animal Avas pithed.  In 46 minutes, the thoracic duct, Avhich
was double, Avas tied.
  No blue colour Avas observed in the fluids.  But on adding sul-
phate of iron to the thoracic fluid and to the  urine, they became
blue.
  The animal remained strong under the experiment.
  91. This  experiment was repeated on a large healthy cat Avith
this variation, that the prussiate was first thrown into the cellular
tissue over one side of the abdomen, and the sulphate next injected
into the cavity of the abdomen,  on the opposite side.   In  35 min-
utes the animal was bled to death from the carotids and-jugulars.
The lungs felt perfectly healthy,  but Avere of a strong blue colour
throughout their whole structure, except tAvo or three in considera-
ble spots, Avhere they Avere of their natural colour.  These viscera
forming a very singular preparation, were preserved, and are  now
in our possession.  The thoracic duct in  its course in the thorax, Avas
of  a strong blue before being touched.   Its fluid on being received
into a vessel was of a most obvious and  conspicuous  blue.   The
urine was also blue.  The coagulating lymph thrown up by the
blood was blue.
   On the next day the chyle had throAvn down a blue deposit.   The
liquor pericardii  Avas clear, but became blue on adding sulphate of
iron.
   92.  Four drachms of the saturated solution  of prussiate of pot-
ass were injected into the cellular substance over the left side of the
abdomen of a kitten, and four drachms of a  strong solution of sul-
 phate of iron into the cavity on the right side.
   In 30 minutes  the animal was  much affected by the operation.
 hi 35 minutes she was dead.
   The liquor pericardii was clear, but became blue on the addition
of  sulphate of iron.   The urine is marked  as having exhibited a
 blue, and the lungs a blue.  No memorandum has been preserved
of  the appearance of the thoracic duct and its contents.
   93.  Seven drachms of a strong solution  of the bisulphate of iron
 v. ere injected into the abdomen of a cat.  Five minutes after,  an
equal quantity of the prussiate solution Avas forced into the cellu-
lar membrane at a distant point of the  abdomen.  In one hour sev-
en minutes the fluid contents were arrested in  the thoracic duct by
a ligature,  and immediately removed. They were already of a
faint blue.
   In this animal  the lungs were not of an unnatural colour.   The
blood obtained in one hour three minutes, gave no blue in the se-
 rum until the sulphate of iron avhs added to it.  Neither  did the
urine, obtained soon  after.   Both these fluids indicated distinctly
the presence of the alkaline prussiate alone;  by producing,  with
the sulphate of iron, the first a strone; blue, the latter a light green.  , 
*0          Experiments on Vents and Lymphatics.

  Besides these three last cases we met with the following failures
  94. A kitten, in Avhich four drachms  of  the feruginous solution
were throAvn into the peritoneal cavity, and as much of the prus
sian solution into the cellular substance.
  95. A small Maltese dog, into Avhich six  drachms  of each were
introduced in the same manner, but  beginning with the prussiate.
tnd adding the other within 3 1-2 minutes.
  The following experiment is somewhat dissimilar.
  96. In a large strong cat, the outlets of the  lymphatic trunks of
bolh sides Ave re carefully secured by ligatures.   Three drachms of
the solution of  the sulphate Avere throAvn into the abdominal cavi-
tv and Avithin a minute and  a half of this, three drachms of pru^
slate of potass into the cellular tissue on the other side.'
  Blood was obtained  from the  femoral artery in 44 1-2 minutes
  The animal died in 54  1-2 minutes.  The thoracic duct Avas full
and distended in 62 minutes, Avith a white fluid.   In 2 minutes more.
a considerable  quantity  of this chylous   matter Avas obtained.
Each of these fluids was remarkably free from blue appearance.
Nevertheless, in one hour  ten  minutes, the urine was of a strong
bluish green
  All the above fluids indicated, on being tested, the alkaline prus
siate.*
                V. AVITH POISONOUS  SUBSTANCES.
  The experiment of Magendie, in  which a limb was  separated
from the body so far as only to be connected with it by either an
irtery and a vein, or simply by two columns of blood, circulating
through quills,  Avas^ repeated several times.  As this experiment.
however, is Avell known, we shall not  insert the details.
  Six trials were made on dogs, by introducing quills and dividing
the vessels, two (97, 98) with, and three (99,  100,  101) without
success, in using nux vomica, and one  (102) unsuccessful trials Avith
prussic acid.
  In one (103,) trial without quills, we succeeded in  producing te
tanus and death from nux vomica.
  In taree others, (104, 105, 106,) one on a dog, with nux vomica.
one on a rabbit, Avith the same  substance,  and one on a dog, Avith
prussic  acid, we failed; and  deeming the cases above enumerated
sufficient, did not persevere in this painful experiment.
                                   •   J.  O'B. LAWRENCE,
                                      B.  H. COATES.

  *We are happy to learn that our friend, Dr. I. K.  Mitchell, of this city,
has since made- a trial, in which these two salts were injected into  the
thorax, and the abdomen, with the result  of a fine blue appearance in the
lymphatics, running over the diaphragm;  also another, in which, two por-
tions of intestine be^ing  employed the precipitate was seen to take place a'
the union of lacteal trunks on the mesentery. 
M
e A
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