ance, and the most profound scientific as well as literary erndition; and, however much we may be pleased with the elegance and grace of the style and manner in which they are written, we most approve the severe logical accuracy with which the arguments are developed. With respect to its medical doctrines, distinctly considered, we should adduce but few objec tions, and those not on points of much importance, were we to pass over it a particular critical review. The parts of it with which we have been most pleased, are those on the elementary tissues; the remarks on the theories of the proximate principles of the fluids, &c.; assimilation and secretion in general; the remarks on the theories of respiration, the particular secretions, and the general and particular laws of vital action. The observations on disease in general, though concise, disclose a lucid view of the modern and approved doctrines of pathology. There are but few persons who may not receive useful informa→ tion from this work, and none, we hope, who will not derive much gratification from the perusal of it; and to those, espe cially, who have not kept pace with the recent progress of medical science, it will prove a highly valuable acquisition,

As the sketches of Sir Thomas Morgan are calculated to lead the reader to metaphysical speculations, especially as connected with the physiology of man, we earnestly recommend to the student who may be disposed to pursue them, a recent work by an excellent metaphysician and moralist, (20) in which the subject is treated, in this point of view, in a very lucid and comprehensive manner, and with an object which will be best shewn by the author himself, in the following paragraphs:

"Dans le premier livre nous parlerons de l'Etre proprement dit; le suivant traitera du néant qui sera à sa place, puisque la création en est sortie; nous entretiendrons ensuite le lecteur a l'être matériel; de l'être vivant, sensible, intelligent, et moral; de leur union, de leur separation, et du rétablissement nécessaire de tous les deux dans l'espèce perfectionnée.

"Nous osons nous promettre que nul ne sortira de la lecture de notre livre avec un sentiment moins profond des perfections divines, qui celui avec lequel il l'aura commencée. Nous ne craignons pas d'affirmer que nourrissant des idées plus nobles de sa propre nature, il sera porté à respecter davantage en luimême l'être réservé aux grands desseins que nous lui aurons fait

entrevoir."

Pursuing those benevolent and judicious intentions, M. KERATRY appears to have endeavoured to conciliate the ideas of Plato respecting the Deity and the soul of man; those of

(20) Inductions Morales et Physiologiques, par M. KERATRY, 8vo, pp. 451. Paris, 1818.

Locke and Condillac on the human understanding; those of Pascal, La Rouchefoucault, and Helvetius, on the determining. principles of virtuous and vicious actions; and, lastly, our knowledge of zoology and physiology, with the fundamental principles of the established religion. This work is the result of much original observation, very extensive researches, and long and judicious reflection; and, combining its scientific value with the moral doctrines it inculcates, it must be considered as a very interesting and important addition to modern literature.

We pass over in silence one work in our language, in which these elementary principles of physiology are also discussed, from reasons which we cannot reflect on without sensations of deep regret. We need not expressly designate it, for it will be recognized by our readers; yet, we could not avoid alluding to it in an historical record of works conducive to the improvement of medical science.

The next in order, with respect to the general extent of the views it discloses of physiology, is a treatise calculated to excite much interest amongst the more reflective part of medical enquirers; as being that of a physician of the first eminence with regard to professional character, and well known to be pos sessed of a philosophic disposition of mind: this is the Ele ments of Medical Logic, (21) by Sir GILBERT BLANE. We speak of it in this place, since physiological illustrations of those Elements constitute the principal part of the work. These are views of the author, "que retenta animo, remissa temporibus, longo intervallo intermissa revocavit;" and, contemplating them thus, they are too important to be treated in a general manner : we therefore defer the consideration of them to anu other occasion, when, after having passed in review several important works more immediately of practical importance, we can with more propriety indulge in the extensive exposition of them which we are disposed to adduce.

We now take up a work (22) by Dr. CHARLES HENRY PARRY, the chief object of which is to support a point of doctrine of the distinguished author of the "Elements of Pathology;" that is, the passiveness of the arterial system in the circulation of the blood. We should observe, previously to the consideration of this subject, that the occurrence of union between the extremities of a large artery divided by a ligature, by means of small arteries passing from one to the other, (a fact first shewn to

(21) Elements of Medical Logick, illustrated by practical Proofs and Examples; including a Statement of the Evidence respecting the contagious Nature of Yellow-Fever. 8vo. pp. 219. London, 1819. T. and G. Underwood.

(22) Additional Experiments on the Arteries of Warm-blooded Animals; together with a brief Examination of certain Arguments which have been advanced against the Doctrines maintained by the Author of "An Experimental Enquiry, &c." By Charles Henry Parry, M.D. F.R.S, &c. 8vo. pp. 257. 1819. Longman and Co.

take place by the author of the "Inquiry," &c.) is proved by repeated experiments instituted by Dr. Charles Parry. The same appearance was also observed in the animals which were stated to be under the process of the experiment at the time of the publication of the "Inquiry."

The doctrine of that part of the present work involving the question, whether or not the arteries contract and dilate under ordinary circumstances consonantly with the pulse, should now be examined. We commence with an extract.

"It has been imagined, that if any power, whether of contraction or dilatation, or of both, can be established as existing in these vessels, especially in cases where the heart can be supposed to have little or no influence, the conclusion is logically accurate, that, in ordinary states of the circulation, the arteries assist the heart, and promote the course of the blood.

"It is singular that so much unnecessary pains should have been taken by men of talent, to prove what has never been denied; nay, to prove positions which the author of the 'Inquiry' has himself attempted to establish as the basis of his own pathological doctrines. We shall discover in all his writings ample evidence of his conviction, that arteries have very considerable powers in themselves; that they are capable of dilatation and contraction; that they may experience either or both varieties, by the influence, or independently, of the heart's action; that there are various independent causes of motion, distinct from those which belong to this organ, and existing even when its influence is wholly destroyed. These positions were, indeed, at once admitted and illustrated by him; but the sweeping inference must still be rejected, that such an admission can, by any construction, prove the efficacy of these causes in producing the state of undisturbed circulation under the ordinary circumstances of life."

Passing over the change, or at least extension, of the face of the question given in the last paragraph,-for the admissions. there stated were not made in the " Inquiry," (23)—we observe, that if the facts implied in those admissions do not prove that the arteries, by contraction and dilatation, aid the heart in the circulation of the blood, under ordinary circumstances, they at least render this highly probable by the most severe analogical reasoning: and, if this sort of testimony be not admitted, the present system of physiology must be considered a baseless fabric; for the greater part of it rests on no firmer foundation. The facts principally alluded to in the above paragraphs, are cases analogous to those of which we shall now refer to instances: and as the most forcible, those where the left ventricle of the heart

(23) This is the interpretation of all those who engaged in the dispute.

has been changed into a firm osseous, or petrous, matter, (2+) en une véritable pétrifaction;" and another where the left ventricle was converted into fat. (25) In these cases, the circulation was vigorously carried on. In the former, the pulse at the wrist avait de l'élévation," and "le gauche ne différait nullement du droit." The patient of the latter died in a fit of apoplexy, from serous effusion. In this case, the pulse was irregular for some time before death. Now, it is not rational to suppose that the arteries could carry on the circulation in the manner in which it was done in these cases, and yet not contribute to effect it under ordinary circumstances. There is no decided instance of a part of the animal economy. performing, in so perfect a manner, a function which it does contribute to effect under ordinary circumstances. It is an established axiom, amongst the best naturalists, that functions are the consequences of wants: how a function could be so perfectly fulfilled, and the want not essentially exist at the time of the formation of the body, is utterly inexplicable. But Dr. Charles Parry, when speaking of somewhat analogous occur

rences, says,

"It might seem unnecessary to repeat, that the argument drawn from akerious foetuses, akerious animals, and from the circulation in the egg before the heart is perfected, is adduced ad ignorantiam; we may however add, that these and all similar objections, if any thing, are more than is wished; as the most regular inference from such facts is, not that the heart and arteries have conjoint powers, but that the heart is not necessary for the carrying on of the circulation of the blood."

And in another part of his work, he observes,

"Other arguments in favour of the arterial power, as aiding the circulation, are taken from their supposed dilatation and contraction; from their muscular fibres; from the effects of diseased vessels; from the violent hæmorrhages occurring from inflamed arteries; from the violent effects of a vessel ruptured in the head; from the throbbing of all the large arteries of the arm, as far as the axilla, from abscess at the end of the finger; from the pulsation of the carotids and the abdominal aorta; from the phenomena of blushing; from the retrograde and oscillatory motion of the blood; from the powers of the vena portæ

(24) See Journal de Medecine, Jan. 1806; or Essai sur les Maladies du Cœur, par M. CORVISART. It may be proper to remark, that this case is related by M. RENAULDIN. Mr. ALLAN BURNS mentions a case where "the whole extent of the pericardium covering the ventricles, and the ventricles themselves, except about a cubic inch at the apex of the heart, were ossified and firm as the skull." Mr. CHARLES BELL has in his collection, specimens of a similar change of structure, though not to so great an extent.

(25) Dublin Hospital Reports, vol. ii. See, in the present "Sketch," the section on Pathological Anatomy. This case is related by Dr. CHEYNE.

NO. 245.

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as a secreting vessel; from the state of the vessels during the growth of parts, &c. &c. From the admission of these and many other similar examples of an action apparently unconnected with the heart's impulse, it is supposed, that in ordinary states the arteries must also be admitted to assist the heart. This principle, however, cannot be conceded. We may, perhaps, still further deny that all these instances are proofs of a peculiar independent power, that they all have existence, or that they must inevitably produce the effects which are attributed to

them."

Really, this appears to be similar to the conduct of Democritus respecting the sweet cucumber: and what is there to oppose to the notions which the above, and many other apparent facts equally forcible, decidedly favour?-Merely the want of evidence to the senses, of such an occurrence in experiments made on brute animals.

We cannot of course in this sketch enter either into a regular disputation on this question, or a critical examination of the work before us; but it is a part of our duty as an historian to state the opinions we hold respecting its doctrines: we therefore say, that, although dilatation and contraction of the arteries concurring with the heart to effect the circulation of the blood, does not appear to be proved, it is forcibly inculcated by what must be considered an exact mode of reasoning. We observe that the tone of the statements on the opposite side of the question is somewhat different in the work of Dr. Charles Parry, from what it was in that of the author of the "Elements of Pathology," (we like thus to designate him.) It is particularly evident in the latter part of the work, and the author concludes in the following manner:

"The observation of SCARPA still continues applicable to the present state of facts, and with it I shall conclude this imperfect essay. L'observation et l'expérience ne vont pas encore jusqu'a prouver pour les esprits exactes, que les grosses artères, et même celles du second et du troisième ordre aient des fonctions actives à remplir dans l'acte de la circulation. L'induction n'a prouvé le contraire que pour le systême capillaire.""

Mr. CHARLES BELL, in an essay (26) on this subject, advances, with much confidence, opinions on the opposite side of the question to that supported by the authors of the "Inquiry" and the "Additional Experiments." He He says,

"When we reflect that the blood of some creatures circulates

(26) An Essay on the Forces which circulate the Blood; being an Examination of the Difference of the Motions of Fluids in living and dead Vessels. By CHARLES BELL, F.R.S. E., Surgeon to the Middlesex Hospital, and Lecturer on Anatomy and Surgery in Great Windmill-street. 12mo. pp. 83. 1819. Longman and Co.; and Burgess and Hill.