hey also perform the common office of lymphatics.

402. LACTEAL, or digestive absorption has reference to the absorption
of chyle only, which is destined for the nutrition of the body.

403. Absorption is not only very abundant, but generally very rapid,
and all these varieties are maintained through life, except when
suspended by disease.

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400. What is said of respiratory absorption? How is letheon introduced
into the system? 401. Define venous absorption. 402. What is lacteal
absorption? 403. What is said of absorption?

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[Illustration: Fig. 85. A representation of the lymphatic vessels and
glands. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, The lymphatic vessels and glands of the lower
limbs. 7, Lymphatic glands. 8, The commencement of the thoracic duct. 9,
The lymphatics of the kidney. 10, Of the stomach. 11, Of the liver. 12,
12, Of the lungs. 13, 14, 15, The lymphatics and glands of the arm. 16,
17, 18, Of the face and neck. 19, 20, Large veins. 21, The thoracic duct.
26, The lymphatics of the heart.]

HYGIENE OF THE LYMPHATIC VESSELS.

404. By the action of the lymphatics, substances of an injurious, as
well as of a beneficial, character may be conveyed into the system.
These vessels, under certain conditions, are more active in their
office than at other periods; and it is of practical utility to know
what influences their action.

405. _The function of these vessels is increased by moisture, and
lessened by an active state of the lacteals._ Observation shows that
the ill-fed, and those persons that live in marshy districts, contract
contagious diseases more readily than those individuals who are well
fed, and breathe a dry and pure air.

406. _The air of the sick-room should be dry._ If due attention is not
given to ventilation, the clothing of the nurse and patient, together
with the air of the room, will be moistened by the exhalations from
the skin and lungs. This exhalation may contain a poison of greater or
less power, according to its quantity and degree of concentration, and
may be absorbed and reconveyed into the system, causing inflammatory
diseases, and not unfrequently death.

_Observations._ 1st. When we are attending a sick person a current of
air that has passed over the patient should be avoided. We may
approach with safety very near a person who has an infectious disease,
provided care is taken to keep on the side from which the currents of
air are ad