In the centre of the kidney is a cavity of variable size. This is
the case in all animals, excepting the seal. The kidneys of this
animal are more solid than those of any other, and in form resemble
the kidneys of the ox. The human kidneys are of similar shape; being
as it were made up of numerous small kidneys, and not presenting one
unbroken surface like the kidneys of sheep and other quadrupeds. For
this reason, should the kidneys of a man be once attacked by
disease, the malady is not easily expelled. For it is as though many
kidneys were diseased and not merely one; which naturally enhances the
difficulties of a cure.
The duct which runs to the kidney from the great vessel does not
terminate in the central cavity, but is expended on the substance of
the organ, so that there is no blood in the cavity, nor is any
coagulum found there after death. A pair of stout ducts, void of
blood, run, one from the cavity of each kidney, to the bladder; and
other ducts, strong and continuous, lead into the kidneys from the
aorta. The purpose of this arrangement is to allow the superfluous
fluid to pass from the blood-vessel into the kidney, and the resulting
renal excretion to collect by the percolation of the fluid through the
solid substance of the organ, in its centre, where as a general rule
there is a cavity.
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