Part 71

II. Parts common to the organization of the Serous System.

Exhalants.—Various proofs of serous exhalation. 149

Absorbents.—Proofs of serous absorption.—Experiments.—Mode of origin of the absorbents. 150

Blood vessels.—The serous membranes have but very few of them.—Those which are subjacent do not belong to them.—Proofs. 151

III. Varieties of Organization of the Serous System.

Different examples of these varieties.—Consequences in regard to diseases.—Remarks upon the pericardium.—Common characters. 153

ARTICLE THIRD.

PROPERTIES OF THE SEROUS SYSTEM.

I. Properties of Texture.

Extensibility.—It is less than it at first seems to be.—Why.—Use of the folds of the serous membranes.—Of their displacement.—Pain from these displacements in inflammation. 155

Contractility.—Less than it appears to be.—It is however real. 156

II. Vital Properties.

They enjoy but little animal sensibility.—Why.—Experiments.—The organic properties are very sensible.—Consequences. 157

Sympathies.—Various examples.—Remarks upon sympathetic exhalations.—Remark upon the serum of dead bodies. 158

ARTICLE FOURTH.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE SEROUS SYSTEM.

I. State of this System in the First Age.

Extreme tenuity of the surfaces.—Quantity of the fluids.—Quality.—Changes at birth.—Experiments. 161

II. State of the Serous System in the After Ages.

The serous surfaces obey the laws of their respective organs.—Increased density in old age.—Ossification rare. 162

III. Preternatural Development of the Serous System.

Various observations. 164

SYNOVIAL SYSTEM.

Points of resemblance between this system and the preceding.—Its division. 165

ARTICLE FIRST.

ARTICULAR SYNOVIAL SYSTEM.

I. How the Synovia is separated from the mass of blood.

There are three ways in which fluids may be separated from the blood.