(corpus reticulare),** in Anatomy, a very fine membrane, perforated, in the manner of a net, with a multitude of foramina. It is placed immediately under the cuticle; and when that is separated from the cutis, whether by art or accident, this adheres firmly to it, and is scarce possible to be parted from it, seeming rather to be its inner superficies than a distinct substance. In regard to this, we are to observe, first, the places in which it is found, being all those in which the sense of feeling is most acute, as in the palm of the hands, the extremities of the fingers, and on the soles of the feet. The tongue, however, is the part where it is most accurately to be observed: it is more easily distinguishable there than anywhere else, and its nature and structure are most evidently seen there.

Its colour in the Europeans is white; but in the negroes and other black nations it is black; in the tawney it is yellowish; the skin itself in both is white; and the blackness and yellowness depend altogether on the colour of this membrane.

The uses of the corpus reticulare are to preserve the structure of the other parts of the integuments, and keep them in their determinate form and situation. Its apertures give passage to the hairs and sweat through the papillae and excretory ducts of the skin: it retains these in a certain and determinate order, that they cannot be removed out of their places, and has some share in preserving the softness of the papillae, which renders them fit for the sense of feeling. See ANATOMY, N° 83.

**RETICULUM,** is a Latin word, signifying a little or casting net. It was applied by the Romans to a particular mode of constructing their buildings. In the city of Salino (see SALINO) are still to be seen remains of some walls, evidently of Roman origin from the reticulum. This structure consists of small pieces of baked earth cut lozengewise, and disposed with great regularity on the angles, so as to exhibit to the eye the appearance of cut diamonds; and was called reticular, from its resemblance to fishing-nets. The Romans always concealed it under a regular coating of other matter; and Mr Hoel informs us, that this was the only specimen of it which he saw in all his travels through Sicily, Malta, and Lipari. It appears to be the remains of some baths, which have been built for the convenience of sea-bathing.

**RETIMO,** the ancient Rhitymnia of Stephen the geographer, and called by Ptolemy Rhitymna, is a fine city, lying at one end of a rich and fertile plain, on the north coast of the island of Candia. It is but a small place, containing scarce 6000 inhabitants; but it is a bishop's see, and the harbour is defended by a citadel, where a bashaw resides. It was taken by the Turks in 1647, and has been in their hands ever since. It is about 45 miles from Candia. E. Long. 24. 45. N. Lat. 35. 22.

The citadel, which stands on a rock jutting out into the sea, would be sufficient for the defence of the city, were it not situated at the foot of a high hill, from which it might be cannonaded with great advantage. The harbour is now almost filled with sand, and is no longer accessible to shipping; nor do the Turks in any measure oppose the ravages of time, but behold with a careless eye the most valuable works in a state of ruin. The French had formerly a vice-consul at Retimo, to which ships used to repair for cargoes of oil; but they have been long unable to get into the harbour: to repair which, however, and to revive the commerce of Retimo, would be a most useful attempt. The plains around the city abound in a variety of productions. Great quantities of oil, cotton, saffron, and wax, are produced here; and they would be produced in still greater quantities if the inhabitants could export their commodities. The gardens of Retimo bear the best fruits in the island; excellent pomegranates, almonds, pistachio nuts, and oranges. The apricot-tree, bearing the michmich, the juice of which is so delicious, and its flavour so exquisite, is found here. It is a kind of early peach, but smaller and more juicy than those of France.

**RETINA,** in Anatomy, the expansion of the optic nerves over the bottom of the eye, where the sense of vision is first received. See ANATOMY, N° 142. and OPTICS (Index) at Eye and Vision.

**RETINUE,** the attendants or followers of a prince or person of quality, chiefly in a journey.

**RETIRADE,** in fortification, a kind of retrenchment made in the body of a bastion, or other work, which is to be disputed, inch by inch, after the defences are dismantled. It usually consists of two faces, which make a re-entering angle. When a breach is made in a bastion, the enemy may also make a retirade or new fortification behind it.

**RETIREMENT,** means a private way of life or a secret habitation, "Few (says an elegant writer) are able to bear solitude; and though retirement is the ostensible object of the greater part, yet, when they are enabled by success to retire, they feel themselves unhappy. Peculiar powers and elegance of mind are necessary to enable us to draw all our resources from ourselves. In a remote and solitary village the mind must be internally active in a great degree, or it will be miserable for want of employment. But in great and populous cities, even while it is passive, it will be constantly amused. It is impossible to walk the streets without finding the attention powerfully solicited on..." every side. No exertion is necessary. Objects pour themselves into the senses, and it would be difficult to prevent their admittance. But, in retirement, there must be a spirit of philosophy and a store of learning, or else the fancied scenes of bliss will vanish like the colours of the rainbow. Poor Cowley might be said to be melancholy mad. He languished for solitude, and wished to hide himself in the wilds of America. But, alas! he was not able to support the solitude of a country village within a few miles of the metropolis!

"With a virtuous and cheerful family, with a few faithful and good-humoured friends, with a well-selected collection of elegant books, and with a competency, one may enjoy comforts even in the deserted village, which the city, with all its diversions, cannot supply."