General Anatomy, Applied to Physiology and Medicine, Vol. 1 (of 3)Bichat, Xavier
Science
General Anatomy, Applied to Physiology and Medicine, Vol. 1 (of 3)
Bichat, Xavier
Human anatomy; Human physiology
An evident proof of this assertion is this, that we produce
phenomena exactly analogous to those which result from them, by
pouring artificially into the black blood those substances that are
introduced in a natural way. Thus when a purgative or emetic infusion
is introduced into the veins, alvine evacuations or vomiting ensue,
precisely as when the substances of these infusions are introduced by
friction upon the skin. The experiments of many physiologists leave no
doubt upon this point. I am convinced that it is possible to give to
animals artificial diseases, by making different substances infused
into their veins circulate with the blood. I shall speak of these
attempts in the article upon the glandular system. It is sufficient for
me to mention them here, in order to prove that the black blood is a
general reservoir in which many substances can enter, either naturally,
or accidentally, and afterwards disturb the functions by passing into
the whole circulating mass. The humoral pathology has undoubtedly been
exaggerated, but it has still real foundations, and in many cases we
cannot deny, but that every thing arises from the disorders of the
humours.
Let us conclude from all that has hitherto been said, 1st. that the
essential part which the circulation of the black blood performs in
the economy, is to introduce into this blood different new substances;
2d. that that of the system of red blood is to expend on the contrary,
the principles that constitute it. One is constantly increasing, the
other diminishing; to give is the attribute of one, to receive is that
of the other. This sketch, which is perfectly true, and founded upon
the most simple observation, appears to me very proper to establish an
evident demarcation between the two divisions that I have adopted for
the general circulation.
Health supposes a perfect equilibrium between the losses the red blood
experiences, and the acquisitions the black blood makes. Whenever this
equilibrium is destroyed, there is disease. If the black blood receives
more than the red blood expends, plethora follows. That which is called
the poverty of the humours, is manifest when more substances go from
the red blood than enter the black.
These are I think sufficient characteristic attributes of the two
great divisions of the general circulation, to justify the point of
view different from other authors, in which I present this important
function of the animal economy.
ARTICLE SECOND.
SITUATION, FORMS, AND GENERAL ARRANGEMENT OF THE VASCULAR SYSTEM OF RED
BLOOD.
From the general idea that we have given of the two vascular systems,
we should form the following of the position in the economy of that
with red blood.
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