io6 Mr. Brodie on the injluence of the Nerves ^ &c. 
experiments, we may conclude that the suppression of the 
secretions in all of them was to be attributed solely to the 
division of the nerves: and all the facts which have been 
stated sufficiently demonstrate, that the secretions of the sto- 
mach and intestines are very much under the controul of the 
nervous system. We cannot indeed venture to deduce from 
them any positive conclusions respecting the necessity of the 
nervous influence to the secretions in general, but as forming 
one link in the chain of an interesting, but difficult physiolo- 
gical investigation, the circumstances which have been men- 
tion may perhaps be considered as possessing some value, and 
as worthy of being recorded. 
It is proper to observe, that I have attempted to pursue the 
investigation, so as to ascertain the effect produced on the 
process of digestion by the division of the stomachic ropes on 
' the termination of the oesophagus, but various circumstances, 
which it would be unnecessary to enumerate, have prevented 
my proceeding in the inquiry, and seem almost to render it 
impossible, to make any observations on this subject. 
