ARTICLE THIRD. PROPERTIES OF THE ABSORBENT SYSTEM. We shall consider in the same article the properties of the absorbent vessels and those of their glands. I. _Properties of Texture._ Extensibility of texture exists in the absorbent system. 1st. The thoracic duct is distended in an evident manner by injection, before the rupture of its peculiar membrane takes place. 2d. I have said that the absorbents examined around the serous membranes in a living animal, principally in the liver, often exhibit little bladders or considerable dilatations. Are these dilatations varices? is there an analogous character in this respect, between the absorbents and the veins? I know not; whatever they are, they can be very considerable in a long absorbent vessel. 3d. When we tie the thoracic duct, not only that swells, but the lymphatic vessels of the abdomen also dilate, and this ligature is the most convenient means of observing the lacteals. This extension has undoubtedly limits; carried too far, it would probably produce in a natural state the rupture of the vessels, as happens from injections. We have not yet any data founded upon observation or experiment, respecting this rupture, though some authors have endeavoured to explain by it the formation of most dropsies. Contractility of texture is evident in the absorbent system. 1st. When the thoracic duct is distended even in a recent dead body, and the fluid is discharged by puncture, it immediately contracts. 2d. All the absorbents contract also as soon as there is no more fluid in their cavity. This phenomenon is remarkable during the absorption of chyle; when that is finished, these vessels evidently disappear by the effect of this contraction. 3d. The absorbent glands, swelled at the moment chyle is passing through them, afterwards lose much of their size by this contractile power. II. _Vital Properties._ We have but few data concerning the animal properties of the absorbents. Sensibility of relation does not appear to exist in them; it is difficult to ascertain this by experiments. When we puncture a lacteal when it is full of chyle, a lymphatic filled with serum on the surface of the liver, or even the thoracic duct, the animal gives no indication of pain. But what inference can be drawn under circumstances, in which the abdomen being opened, the numerous painful sensations would render nothing, comparatively, the slight sensation which the puncture produced, admitting that it existed? No experiment, I believe, has yet been attempted to ascertain if irritation carried to the interior of these vessels produces a sensible effect. Probably the same result would be obtained by fine injections used for this purpose, as has been for the veins, considering the analogy of structure and the continuity of the peculiar membrane of both systems.