TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE Italic text is denoted by _underscores_. Obvious typographical errors and punctuation errors have been corrected after careful comparison with other occurrences within the text and consultation of external sources. More detail can be found at the end of the book. A TREATISE ON THE ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE Mucous Membranes; WITH ILLUSTRATIVE PATHOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. _From the French_ OF XAVIER BICHAT. BY JOSEPH HOULTON, MEMBER OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS IN LONDON. LONDON: PRINTED FOR J. CALLOW, Medical Library, 16, PRINCES STREET, CORNER OF GERRARD STREET, SOHO. MDCCCXXI. CHARLES WOOD, Printer, Poppin's Court, Fleet Street, London. THE TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. The works of no medical writer deserve a more attentive perusal than those of the illustrious BICHAT. Erudite, observant, and industrious, he, at an early age, reared a monument of science, which will perpetuate his name and matchless talents. From the rich treasures he has left, the Translator presumes to present this Treatise in an English costume. Where all is excellent it is difficult to make a satisfactory selection; yet this portion of the author's productions merits the particular attention of medical students and practitioners in general, as it leads to the knowledge of the structure and economy of that part of the animal organization, which, more than any other, is subject to morbid affections. The aim of the Translator has been faithfulness, clearness, and conciseness, rather than elegance: how he has fulfilled his intention he must leave to the decision of the candid Reader. SAFFRON WALDEN, JULY 1, 1821. CONTENTS. SECT. PAGE I. _Of the Situation and Number of Mucous Membranes_ 1 II. _Of the Exterior Organization of Mucous Membranes_ 9 III. _Of the Interior Organization of Mucous Membranes_ 20 IV. _Of the Glands of Mucous Membranes_ 37 V. _Of the Vascular System of Mucous Membranes_ 54 VI. _Of the Variations in the Organization of Mucous Membranes_ 64 VII. _Of the Vital Powers of Mucous Membranes_ 70 VIII. _Of the Sympathies of Mucous Membranes_ 81 IX. _Of the Functions of Mucous Membranes_ 85 X. _Remarks on the Affections of Mucous Membranes_ 98 A TREATISE ON MUCOUS MEMBRANES. SECTION I. OF THE SITUATION AND NUMBER OF MUCOUS MEMBRANES.