470 



On Intestinal Rest and Movement, 



[May 27, 



recedes but little, and is therefore forwarded through the fistula 

 with great rapidity. For a varying time after a full meal (two to 

 three hours), the progress of a body is steady and moderately rapid ; 

 after that time it usually becomes much slower. 



The following figures give an approximate idea of the speed of 

 transmission under various conditions : — 

 Fasting — 



1 cm. of fistulous intestine traversed in 2 to 4'. 

 Immediately after a meal — 



Ditto in 30 to 40". 

 Several hours after a meal (4 or 5) — 



Ditto in some instances 1 cm. only in 10'. 



4. Propulsion of a solid body is in the physiological direction. 



5. The introduction of water or bodies in a state of solution into 

 the fistulous intestine is succeeded by a constant and peculiar modi- 

 fication of the peristalsis which may be present at the time. 



6. Exercise of slight traction upon the travelling body renders its 

 passage difficult or impossible, although it calls into play powerful 

 and " griping" contractions of the intestine. 



7. Exercise is highly favourable to a rapid and effective peristalsis. 



8. Mechanical irritation (as the licking of the mouth of the fistula 

 by the rough tongue of a dog) causes powerful co-ordinate movement. 



9. The effect of electrical stimulation, and the action of a large 

 number of drugs have been examined, the results obtained will be 

 made the object of a further communication. 



The President announced that Professor Dewar, F.R.S., had 

 succeeded in obtaining oxygen in the solid state, and that he, with 

 some others, had that afternoon witnessed the experiment. 



The Society adjourned over Ascension Day to Thursday, June 10th. 



