The Digestive Process. 27 



ciples chiefly suffer chemical decomposition. At 

 length the whole becomes a thick fluid and passes 

 through the pyloric orifice of the stomach to the 

 small intestines. 



This fluid is called chyme. It contains nutri- 

 tious matters in a state of mechanical suspension, 

 others in chemical and simple solution, while a 

 third variety are unacted upon from various 

 causes. 



Chyme proceeds along the intestines by virtue 

 of the peculiar action of the organs. It first 

 meets with fluids from special glands in the vici- 

 nity of the outlet from the stomach. Next with 

 those from the liver and pancreas (sweetbread). 

 By constant motion perfect incorporation is 

 effected, and the following outline of changes 

 may be observed. 



1st. The acid character of chyme is neu- 

 tralized it is now alkaline. 

 2nd. Albuminous matters escaping from the 



stomach unchanged are transformed. 

 3rd. Starchy matters, unacted upon by saliva, 

 are now effectually converted into sugar. 

 4th. Fatty bodies are emulsified or converted 



into a kind of soap. 



5th. and lastly, all the nutritious principles 

 have conferred upon them properties 

 which facilitate their absorption and pas- 

 sage through the lacteals towards the 

 blood, and the fluid mass now receives 

 the name of chyle. 



