A modern anatomy of the human spleen : to which are added, some strictures on Sir Anthony Carlisle's theory respecting the functions of that organ : addressed to the medical students and junior practitioners of London / by P. Mac Nolty.

  • Mac Nolty, P.
Date:
1831
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A modern anatomy of the human spleen : to which are added, some strictures on Sir Anthony Carlisle's theory respecting the functions of that organ : addressed to the medical students and junior practitioners of London / by P. Mac Nolty. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    rect, or have even the effect of drawing the at- tention of the learned anatomist and physiolo- gist, whose opportunities, combined with the other requisite advantages, afford them ample facility thoroughly to investigate this intricate subject, that has been so long suffered to remain in partial obscurity ; I may at least be permitted to claim some share in the merit of causing much good to be done to the present and to future generations. It being my intention in the following attempt, to treat of the functions of the Human Spleen, it appears to me proper in the first instance to give an anatomical description of this organ, and afterwards to point out how it serves to modify the circulation of the blood by acting as its diverticulum or reservoir, and moreover to describe its use in promoting the digestive pro- cess, with the advantages arising from the non- existence of an excretory duct, and a paucity of nerves and lymphatic vessels in it. In entering on the consideration of this sub- ject, the celebrated Haller has said, “ In meras hie conjecturas dimergimur obscuriores quam fere alio in viscere.” When the names of those who have already been engaged in this inves- tigation are recollected, I am induced to fear I may be accused of presumption in attempting to meddle with it; but notwithstanding this, and considering that much has been accom-