242 Mr. Home on the Structure oj the Stomachs 
real form of the stomach having been much less frequently 
noticed, than was naturally to be expected. 
To come at the real form of the stomach, it must be seen 
recently after death, before its muscles have been disturbed ; 
in this state a gentle and gradual distension with air shews 
both the permanent divisions of its cavity, if there are any, in 
the best possible manner, and also any occasional muscular 
contractions, that are employed during life. 
The internal membrane is only to be met with in a natural 
state recently after death, since the secretion from the solvent 
glands frequently acts upon it, and destroys the surface, and the 
slightest degree of putrefaction, which comes on very quickly 
in this cavity, prevents the nicer distinctions of structure from 
being detected. 
To make an accurate examination of the different parts of 
this membrane, it is necessary that its folds should be extend- 
ed, and the mucus commonly found adhering to it removed, 
which is most readily effected, and with the least disturbance, 
by inverting the stomach and gradually distending it; and in 
this state only can the relative situation of the different struc- 
tures be ascertained with exactness. 
In examining stomachs, with the attention directed to all 
the circumstances above mentioned, it is found that in a recent 
state, the internal membrane is often completely obscured by 
mucus, which in many instances is inspissated, and puts on 
the appearance of a cuticular covering, from which it is with 
difficulty distinguished ; in others it resembles a fine villous 
surface, so very tenacious is its nature; and where the mem- 
brane is irregular it adheres with unusual firmness. 
The internal membrane of most stomachs is found to be 
