This article on the lymphatics was undertaken for three reasons: The first is to recount the story of the rediscovery of these vessels in the 17th century and briefly review the subsequent events leading up to our present knowledge of the lymphatic system. The second is to emphasize the role of the lymphatics in maintaining extracellular fluid balance, in the removal of protein, fat, and other substances of large molecular size from the tissue spaces, and in the circulation of the lymphocytes from their germinal centers and storage depots to all parts of the body via lymphaticovenous connections. The third reason is to suggest that the responsibility for maintaining the transport function of the lymphatics properly belongs to the vascular surgeon.