The Abernethian code of health and longevity, or, every one's health in his own keeping, by the proper regulation of the stomach and bowels ... Containing full rules for the application of this system ... with an introductory view of the living functions of the animal economy / [John Abernethy].

  • Abernethy, John, 1764-1831
Date:
1829
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The Abernethian code of health and longevity, or, every one's health in his own keeping, by the proper regulation of the stomach and bowels ... Containing full rules for the application of this system ... with an introductory view of the living functions of the animal economy / [John Abernethy]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    10/26 (page 8)
    tion, and has been mixed with the salivary and other secre¬ tions that are elicited from the surface in its descent, all neces¬ sary principles by their admixture : then entering the stomach, in this admixed state, it becomes further blended with the gas¬ tric liquor, or animalising fluid, the grand solvent to the whole ; and the changes it here undergoes, are the effect equally of heat, of mechanical action and chemical agency—all exerted for its preparation into that nourishment which contains the principles that united, tend to form the red fluid we term blood, the basis of every part, whatever form it assume, in the fabric of the body. The stomach, then, .from its great and essential functions of preparation, possesses both extensive powers, and also univer¬ sal sympathy with the whole system :* hence every deviation from its healthy condition is not only shown by particular symp¬ toms in the organ itself, but also by extending its morbid in¬ fluence to various other parts of the body, where no local de¬ rangements to account for such symptoms appear to exist. The state of the tongue or mouth is always attended to, as marking the state of the stomach, according to which, the sen¬ sations of taste are various, and the saliva and mucus vary in quantity, consistence, taste, smell, and color; even the state of mind or character seems connected with it; vigorous and fero¬ cious animals being generally carnivorous, with muscular vigor in proportion to their voracity. But the healthy state of the organ is marked, at all times, by a regular return of appetite after every meal, and by its easy digestion or solution, without any symptoms showing the process retarded, partially sus¬ pended, or the principles of nourishment received improperly evolved : wherever the latter takes place, the blood is but im¬ perfectly supplied with the essential properties it ought to con¬ vey to the different organs; and thus the latter cannot exer¬ cise their peculiar duties or offices in the economy, in such an accurate manner, as to keep up the standard of health. During ordinary hunger, the power of the stomach over tlie muscles is diminished, which state is called weakness, and there is also a diminished action of the heart and arteries, par¬ ticularly at their extremities; and this esurient state, like that of other appetites goes off, is apt to change into the loathing or sick state, then returns, becoming irresistible, and enabling * A blow, or the wind of a cannon ball over the stomach, kills, without leaving any mark, and if any of its nerves even be cut, or itself wounded, the aliment remains undigested: the operation of an emetic proves also this extensive sympathy, by exciting a general agitation of the whole system, and from this violence the relief of many diseases.