I should be disposed to think that the insensible contraction of which the small capillary system of each gland is capable, would aid the motion of the lymph, by diminishing the course that this fluid must take, without a new impulse, from the origin of the absorbents to the black blood, if these organs were wanting. In fact, we know that in the extremities where there are much fewer glands, there are more frequent effusions than in the trunk where the absorbents pass through them at every instant; I speak of those effusions which ought evidently to be attributed to the want of circulation of the lymph, as those arising from compression, too long standing, &c. and not those that depend on an increased exhalation, like those after organic affections. We see, from what I have said thus far, that we have only a few disconnected views upon the motion of the lymph; that of the veins, though still requiring much research, is yet more known; but in order to give a perfect knowledge of these subjects, the first especially, many experiments and much further labour are necessary. IV. _Of Absorption in the different Ages._ In the fœtus and in childhood, absorption relative to nutrition is not in proportion to exhalation. Many substances remain in the organs, but few go out, hence there is growth. But little is known of the differences which the internal absorptions of synovia, serum, fat, marrow, &c. then present. The external absorptions appear to be more active, for we know that contagions are taken with much more facility in the first age. We know not however whether the skin and mucous surfaces then constantly introduce more foreign substances into the body, or if they are only more disposed to introduce them. We are deficient in positive data as to the state in which absorption is found in childhood. To judge of it however by that of the lymphatic glands, it would appear that it was very energetic. In fact these glands are in proportion much developed; they appear to be the seat of very active functions; they have a peculiar life more developed than afterwards, hence a greater disposition to diseases. We know that until puberty, or rather until the end of growth, they are the seat of many affections which entirely disappear after that age, and lessen the numerous series of those to which we are exposed.