system as unsuitable for nutriment. In order to avoid this calamity
we are met with two important thoughts, one of the power of the nerves
of the lymphatics to dilate and contract, also that of fascia and
muscle, to dilate or constrict with great force when necessary to eject
substances from gland, cell, muscle and fascia. Thus we see a cell
loaded to fullness by secretion which it cannot do without; open-mouthed
vessels through which it receives this fluid. Then again the system of
cellular sphincters must dilate and contract in order to retain the
fluids in those cell-like parts of the body. Now we are at the point
when ready for use in other parts of the system, those sphincters must
temporarily give away, that the gland may relax and dilate. Then the
universal principle of constriction throughout the whole body can
discharge the contents of the lymphatics of all divisions of the body,
which is surely the normal condition. Let the lymphatics always receive
and discharge naturally. If so we have no substance detained long enough
to produce fermentation, fever, sickness and death.

I think this thought has been presented plainly enough to be fully
understood and practiced by the reader, if an Osteopath.

CHAPTER XX.

THE SUPERIOR CERVICAL GANGLION.

With what it has Communication--Its Position--One of its
Functions--Stimulation or Inhibition--Results Produced.

WITH WHAT IT HAS COMMUNICATION.

Every ganglion on the great chain of the sympathetic nerve has special
and important functions, but upon the superior cervical falls the
greatest burden of responsibility. This ganglion has communication with
a greater number of nerves and organs than any other; is in direct
communication with three cranial and four cervical nerves, indirectly
with four more cranial nerves, and enters, by its branches into the
formation of a large number of plexuses. Through this ganglion it is
that much Osteopathic work is done, and the purpose of this brief paper
is to point out some of the many effects which may be produced by its
stimulation or inhibition.

ITS POSITION.

Anatomically we know that the superior cervical ganglion is situated in
relation to the transverse processes of the upper three cervical
vertebrae. It gives off branches which communicate directly with the
vagus, glosso-pharyngeal and hypoglossal nerves; another branch, the
ascending, passes into the carotid canal and enters into the formation
o