rable
lymphatics lying near the spine; and which can be traced almost to the
anus, and particularly to the kidneys." Philos. Trans. v. 59. p.
199--Enquiries, p. 74.

4. At the same time that the urinary branch of absorbents, in the beginning
of diabetes, is excited into inverted action, the cellular branch is
excited by the sympathy above mentioned, into more energetic action; and
the fat, that was before deposited, is reabsorbed and thrown into the blood
vessels; where it floats, and was mistaken for chyle, till the late
experiments of the ingenious Mr. Hewson demonstrated it to be fat.

This appearance of what was mistaken for chyle in the blood, which was
drawn from these patients, and the obstructed liver, which very frequently
accompanies this disease, seems to have led Dr. Mead to suspect the
diabetes was owing to a defect of sanguification; and that the schirrosity
of the liver was the original cause of it: but as the schirrhus of the
liver is most frequently owing to the same causes, that produce the
diabetes and dropsies; namely, the great use of fermented liquors; there is
no wonder they should exist together, without being the consequence of each
other.

5. If the cutaneous branch of absorbents gains a habit of being excited
into stronger action, and imbibes greater quantities of moisture from the
atmosphere, at the same time that the urinary branch has its motions
inverted, another kind of diabetes is formed, which may be termed the
aqueous diabetes. In this diabetes the cutaneous absorbents frequently
imbibe an amazing quantity of atmospheric moisture; insomuch that there are
authentic histories, where many gallons a day, for many weeks together,
above the quantity that has been drank, have been discharged by urine.

Dr. Keil, in his Medicina Statica, found that he gained eighteen ounces
from the moist air of one night; and Dr. Percival affirms, that one of his
hands imbibed, after being well chafed, near an ounce and half of water, in
a quarter of an hour. (Transact. of the College, London, vol. ii. p. 102.)
Home's Medic. Facts, p. 2. sect. 3.

The pale urine in hysterical women, or which is produced by fear or
anxiety, is a temporary complaint of this kind; and it would in reality be
the same disease, if it was confirmed by habit.

6. The purging stools, and pale urine, occasioned by exposing the naked
body to cold air, or sprinkling it with cold water, originate from a
similar cause; for the mouths