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CHAP. VI.- The Pancreas. 



1. OF this viscus it is sufficient to say, that it is liable 

 to the same order, and furnishes nearly the same objects, of inves- 

 tigation, as those which have been suggested with respect to 

 the liver. 



2. The end accomplished by the function of the pancreas is 

 first to be inquired after. Its structure is glandular, and it pours 

 a fluid into the duodenum. What is the importance of this fluid? 

 This question is to be answered by an analysis, many times indi- 

 cated, and therefore requiring here no repetition. Is it useful 

 only in the processes which are conducted in the intestines? or 

 does it furnish properties which constitute a part of lacteal chyle, 

 and have a relation with the animal economy, through the medium 

 of the circulation? 



3. Having determined the importance or objects of the pan- 

 creatic secretion, it is next to be inquired whether it has any other 

 mediate relations? The one suggested as comprising the function 

 of the spleen, vii. the deterioration of arterial blood, will occur as 

 one other mediate relation; and in this respect the pancreas, in 

 common with the other abdominal viscera, appears subservient to 

 the purposes of the liver. 



4. The direct relation, if any, of the pancreas with adjoining 

 organs, is next to be sought after. The mode of conducting such 

 an inquiry has been pointed out, so far as is compatible with our 

 limited means of cognizance. But as there is no reason to suspect 

 the existence of any relation of the direct kind between the pan- 

 creas and the other preparatory organs, so it is superfluous to be 

 more minute in our indications respecting it. 



5. The chief use of the pancreas appears to be that of pro- 

 ducing a fluid which mixes with the common material of the in- 

 testines. It remains only to inquire into the history of this secre- 

 tion. The dependences of it are to be sought after; as whether it 

 is a product of the assimilating, the regular dependent, or the oc- 

 casional life: with the investigation which has been proposed as 

 appropriate to these respectively. 



