1883.] Physiology of Carbohydrates in the Animal System. 147 



After the introduction of glucose into the circulatory system, I have 

 observed the presence of maltose. 



The liver also contains a ferment capable, under certain conditions, 

 of carrying glucose into maltose, and I have further witnessed, by the 

 same kind of action as the sugars and dextrins are moved from 

 one to the other, the conversion of a carbohydrate into the colloidal 

 material belonging to the animal system (glycogen) which holds the 

 analogous position of starch in the vegetable kingdom. 



Evidence has likewise been supplied that by an action of the same 

 nature as that which moves the carbohydrates from one to the other 

 in the carbohydrate group, they are, under certain conditions, carried 

 into a body out of the group, and thence not susceptible of being 

 brought into glucose by the converting action of sulphuric acid ; and, 

 on the other hand, under other conditions, a substance is brought into 

 the carbohydrate group, and its nature made recognisable by the con- 

 verting action of sulphuric acid and its cupric oxide reducing power. 



The subject as it even now presents itself is a large one, and I 

 propose to deal with it in detail in a series of communications. The 

 first will be devoted to that which refers to the alimentary canal. 



