Varicose veins, were, by the ancients, considered as canals running into the sore, and furnishing the discharge; but, when we consider that these varices frequently occur without any ulceration, or discharge, the opinion must be abandoned. In such cases as occur alongst with ulceration, it will be more natural to consider the affection of the vein as a disease dependent originally on the ulcer, and induced by it, in the same way as the structure and functions of other neighbouring parts are changed and impaired by the continuance of a tedious and diseased ulcerative action. This state of the vein being once induced in any part of it, and even in a slight degree, two consequences follow: First, from the power or property of the vein being impaired, the blood is not duly propelled, but circulates slowly, and cannot overcome readily the weight of the blood above, which presses more powerfully, in consequence of the valves being rendered imperfect by the distension of the vessel. The disease, therefore, gradually increases; for, every day, the power of acting properly diminishes, at the same time that the mechanical necessity for acting, or the resistance of the column of blood increases. On account of the dilatation of the vessels, and the morbid or abortive effect to propel what they are unable to do, pain is produced, in the course of the varix, whenever the legs are kept in a dependent posture, or exercise is used. This pain is confounded with the uneasiness arising from the ulcer; and, therefore, these ulcers are said to be painful, and to be attended with pain in the course of the veins. The second consequence is, that, as the veins which are more immediately connected with the ulcerated part, are diseased, and do not perform their part in the circulation properly, the functions of the part must be still more injured, and the varix, which originally perhaps was produced by the ulcer, comes in its turn to act on the sore, and prevent its healing; for the vein not acting properly, and conveying the blood fully, the action at the capillaries must be injured, and the artery and vein cannot act healthily. If this be the case, the power of forming granulations must be impeded, and these never can be deposited in the necessary degree of perfection.