"The transference of the chyle takes place by the lacteals; nevertheless, if they are obliterated, this may be done through the vena portæ."
The section of the pneumo-gastric nerves does not stop the dilution of aliments in the stomach, or chylification.
The juices secreted by the liver and pancreas, are poured into the intestines in greater quantity during digestion than at any other period; in consequence of the contact of the acid chyme with the biliary and pancreatic orifices.
The pancreatic juice is analogous to the saliva.
The spleen is an appendage to the liver; it swells during the absorption of liquids by the vena portæ.
Liquid aliments are digested, just as much as solid; but they do not require so great a quantity of gastric and intestinal juices.
Watery drinks are absorbed in the stomach and intestines, by the radicles of the vena portæ. Spirituous drinks occasion an afflux of the gastric juices, become acid, and are absorbed.
Excrements owe their colour and odour to the bile, and their consistence to the absorption of a portion of the water they contain. They carry off a large amount of the nutriment.
Great obscurity still remains as to the cause of hunger.
Thirst is thought to be produced by the drying which the pharynx undergoes, from the passage through it of the air used in respiration, and at a time when the supply of mucous fluid is scanty.