t 1% 3 
VIII. Experiments to prove that Fluids pass directly from the 
Stomach to the Circulation of the Blood , and from thence into 
the Cells of the Spleen , the Gall Bladder , and Urinary Bladder , 
without going through the Thoracic Duct . By Everard Home, 
Esq. F. R. S. 
Read January 31, 1811. 
Having on a former occasion laid before the Society some 
experiments, to prove that fluids pass directly from the cardiac 
portion of the stomach, so as to arrive at the circulation of 
blood without going through the thoracic duct, the only known 
channel by which liquids can arrive there ; the present expe- 
riments are brought to confirm that opinion ; but in stating 
them, I wish to correct an error I was led into, in believing 
that the spleen was the channel, by which they are con- 
veyed. 
At the time I made my former communications, I was con- 
scious that the facts I had ascertained were only sufficient to 
open a new field of enquiry ; but as I might never be able to 
make a further progress in an investigation, beset with so 
many difficulties, I thought it right to put them on record. 
Since that time I have lost no opportunity of devising new 
experiments to elucidate this subject ; and the circumstance of 
Mr. Brodie, the assistant of my philosophical as well as pro- 
fessional labours, having tied the thoracic duct in some expe- 
riments which will come before the Society, suggested to me 
the idea, that if the thoracic duct was tied, and proper experi— 
