( 291 ) 
II. Resorption of soap in the large intestine. 
In order to ascertain whether soap is resorbed in the large intestine 
we pursued three methods. 
Ist. Into a loop of the large intestine tied in two places we 
introduced a solution of soap. The loop having been replaced in the 
ventral cavity, it is left to itself for a few hours. From the quantity 
„of soap still present we infer how much has been resorbed !). 
2nd. From a dog in a state of narcosis a loop of the large intestine 
is ligatured at one end, and at the other furnished with a tube which 
is connected with a funnel that may be adjusted at different heights. 
A solution of sapo medicatus is introduced into the funnel and the 
intestine filled. 
From time to time it is now necessary by replenishing, to raise 
to its original height the level of the fluid descending in consequence 
of resorption. 
At the end of the experiment the contents of the funnel, con- 
necting tube and intestine are rinsed out, and the quantity of soap 
contained in this and in the mucosa is determined. If we deduct 
this quantity from the whole of the soap solution used, what has 
been resorbed remains. 
3rd, The large intestine is cut through close to the coecum. The 
free ends are attached to the ventral wall). After a cure has been 
effected we dispose of a separate piece of the large intestine. Into 
this large quantities of «a solution of soap are now introduced through 
the rectum. By ascertaining how much seap, after a limited time, 
still remains in this portion of the intestine, we can determine how 
much has been resorbed. 
All the three methods agree in showing unanimously that the large 
intestine possesses in a large measure the power of resorbing soap. 
Ill. What happens to the soap resorbed? , 
The researches of J. Munk?) and of J. Munk and A. Rosen- 
STEIN*) have shown that the fatty acids taken into the body are 
') We cannot enter into particulars here; they will be found in a paper which will 
appear in, the Archiv f. Anat. u. Physiol. Physiol, Abth. 
*) Dr. Former, surgeon, was so kind as to attach this intestine fistula for me. 
*) J. Munk, Zur Kenntniss der Bedeutung des Fettes und seiner Componenten fiir 
den Stoffwechsel. Vircnow’s Arch. B. 80. 1880 S, 10. 
ik 
