FUNCTIONS OF THE INTESTINES. 313 



the secreting cells of the intestines, as stated by Piersol. The 

 functional needs of these structures seem, therefore, to be satis- 

 fied. That they secrete mucus seems evident if their histolog- 

 ical attributes can be taken as guide. We must express the 

 belief, however, that they have functions other than those 

 theoretically ascribed to them. 



Gastric juice does not only fulfill the role usually at- 

 tributed to it during digestion, but it is likewise a powerful 

 antiseptic. Howell refers to this property in the following 

 words: "One of the interesting facts about this secretion is 

 the way in which it withstands putrefaction. It may be kept 

 for a long time, for months even, without becoming putrid and 

 with very little change, if any, in its digestive action or in its 

 total acidity. This fact shows that the juice possesses anti- 

 septic properties, and it is usually supposed that the presence 

 of the free acid accounts for this quality/' This might serve 

 as evidence that beyond the pylorus further protection of this 

 sort is unnecessary: evidence of the care with which Nature 

 protects her organic creations. Every structural cell in any way 

 exposed seems to be surrounded not only with prophylactic 

 weapons, but also with second and even third lines of defense 

 to cope with what the first line may have failed to disarm. 

 Removal of the stomach in animals has been followed with 

 return to normal health; it seems plausible that the intestinal 

 tract should also be supplied with means for the protection of 

 its organs. 



The material formed in the living crypt of Lieberkiihn 

 first presents the form of granules, then becomes transformed 

 into a transparent substance which accumulates in the spaces 

 of the cell-substance. This either constitutes the mucin found 

 in the secretion or represents an antecedent of this material. 

 The secretion proper is clear, viscid, yellowish, and alkaline. 

 That it may possess antiseptic properties is suggested by the 

 fact that a very similar fluid, i.e., nasal "mucus," thanks to 

 the labors of St. Clair Thomson and Hewlett, 5 has been found 

 to prove bactericidal. Paget 6 experimentally ascertained that 



6 St. Clair Thomson and Hewlett: Medico-Chirurgical Transactions, vol. 

 Ixxviii. 



6 Paget: Journal of Laryngology, Nov., 1896. 



