CHAP. V. CUBING LACTEAL ABSOEPTION. 59 



to the acids in the stomach, it may be readily sup- 

 posed that in this viscus the same effects would be 

 observed as in the former experiments ; viz. that the 

 current dependent upon the acid secretions would 

 overcome and mask any effect that might arise from 

 lacteal absorption. 



Sufficient evidence, I think, has been adduced to 

 prove the following conclusion, viz. that during lacteal 

 absorption the absorbed product (the chyle) and the 

 substances from which it is absorbed (the food) are in 

 opposite electric states. The conditions necessary for 

 the manifestation of current force are complete ; we 

 can trace out the anion , and cation of the circuit, 

 the former in the food, the latter in the chyle; we 

 have no reason to believe that the chyle is acid in 

 order to account for the effects, for all chemical 

 analyses tend to shew its alkaline condition ; and 

 I need not repeat the arguments employed in the last 

 chapter in regard to the supposed acid condition of the 

 blood, for the purpose of accounting for the effects as 

 they are applicable on the present occasion. I 

 would not go so far as to say that acids are never to 

 be discovered in the chyle or in the blood ; for it is 

 possible that in some morbid states of the system 

 this circumstance might occasionally happen. 



I am not now attempting any explanation as to 

 the mode by which lacteal absorption takes place or 

 is brought about, whether it is to be considered as a 

 mere case of imbibition, or as a case of osmose. I 

 am only shewing that during this act current force is 



