AND ABSORPTION 31 



the hydrochloric acid of the gastric juice, bring 

 digestion to a standstill. Yet an alkaline gentian 

 or other bitter mixture has been the comfort of the 

 dyspeptic for centuries. 



The explanation lies here. The alcohol or bitter 

 produces its beneficial effects in the mouth, by- 

 exciting appetite juice reflexly. When it has 

 been swallowed, it does more harm than good. 

 The expedient at once suggests itself that it would be 

 better therefore to use these time-honoured remedies 

 as a mouth-wash, without swallowing them. But 

 probably few physicians would venture to prescribe 

 for the squire that he should take his bitter beer in 

 that manner ! And indeed there is reason to believe 

 that the treatment would fail. Even Pawlow's dogs 

 no longer troubled to produce any appetite juice 

 when they learned that they would not be allowed 

 to enjoy the coveted dainties. It is a much sounder 

 conclusion, that it is futile to give bitters in pill 

 form, yet this mistake is commonly made. 



With reference to the relative value of acids and 

 alkalies, probably we have been in error in the past in 

 giving either as a routine to the exclusion of the other. 

 Hydrochloric acid is indicated when the gastric juice 

 is deficient therein, as in cases of atonic dyspepsia 

 or carcinoma of the stomach ; in cases of gastric 

 ulcer, or in young people with excessive acidity of 

 the gastric juice, alkalies will be more useful, espe- 

 cially if combined with some insoluble oxide, such as 

 magnesia, to prolong the effect. 



It has been thought that any virtue of alcohol in 

 the treatment of dyspepsia lay in its power to promote 



