5183. I have been allowed to watch the spirallings of those who belong to the province of the Liver, and to do so for a whole hour. These spirals were gentle ones, flowing round in varying ways in keeping with the operation of that organ; and they gave me a great feeling of delight. The operation of the spirits is diverse, but in general they proceed in a circular manner. The diversity of their operation is also represented in the functions performed by the liver, in that these too are diverse. For the liver draws in blood and separates it. It introduces the best blood into the veins, sends that of medium quality into a hepatic duct, and leaves that of poorest quality for the gall bladder. This is so in adult persons, but in embryos the liver receives blood from the mother's womb and purifies it. It passes the purer blood to the veins so that it may flow into the heart by a shorter route, and act as protectors in front of the heart.