1 40 Mr. Home on the Structure of the Stomachs 
In this enquiry it will be found that the same substances 
are digested by stomachs varying considerably from each 
other, and many of these varieties can at present in no other 
way be accounted for, than by referring them to the general 
principle, which pervades the structure of animals, making 
them run into one another by a regular series of minute 
changes of form, so as to compose one connected chain, from 
v/hich we derive the fullest evidence of the power and wisdom 
of their Creator. 
The stomachs of all ruminating animals have three different 
structures; the first of these is cuticular; the second has a 
secreting surface, thrown into folds, on which are seen the 
orifices of glands ; and the third is smooth, and more delicate 
in its texture. 
In the following account, it will be found that three similar 
structures are met with in the stomachs of quadrupeds which 
do not ruminate, and that the gradation between the most 
complex and most simple stomach forms an uniformly 
connected series, of greater extent than has been hitherto 
supposed. 
To complete the view of this subject is too extensive a 
pursuit for an individual, whose professional duties occupy so 
large a portion of his time as mine necessarily do. All that can 
be expected from one so circumstanced is to give a general 
outline, leaving the minuter parts to be filled up by those who 
have more leisure, but by no means more zeal, for studies of 
this kind. 
As these materials are collected not merely for the present 
investigation, but are intended for the use of future enquirers. 
