to return a more satisfactory and decisive reply than the physiologist,- these two branches of medical knowledge being thus found mutually to advance and illustrate each other. Indeed, as regards the functions of individual organs, the mutual aids of these two branches of knowledge are probably much more nearly balanced than many may be disposed to admit; for in estimating them, we are very apt to forget how large an amount of our present physiological knowledge, respecting the functions of these organs, has been the immediate result of casual observations made on the effects of disease. Most of the important organs of the body, however, are so amenable to direct observation and experiment, that in respect to them the modern physician may fairly lay claim to a large preponderance of importance, not only in establishing the solid foundation, but in raising and greatly strengthening the superstructure of a rational pathology. There are still, however, certain organs of the body, the actual functions and influence of which have hitherto entirely eluded the researches and bid defiance to the united efforts of both physiologist and pathologist. Of these not the least remarkable are the “Supra-Renal Capsules,”- the Altra-biliary Capsules of Caspar Bartholinus; and it is as a first and feeble step towards an inquiry into the function of these organs, suggested by Pathology, that I now put forth the following pages.

T.A.