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Though I have tried to avoid all possible use of technical terms, in the following very abbreviated description of the digestive organs and their processes, their use will be occasionally required. In order to make the work of digestion as clear as possible without a lengthy description, we will follow the food in its travels through the alimentary canal, explaining the actions of the organs and various digestive juices with which it comes in contact.

After food has been called for by appetite and has gone through the first process of digestion by thorough mastication, it is swallowed and allowed to enter the stomach. Now immediately upon entrance, this food comes in contact with the gastric juice which is secreted by the peptic glands, and which exudes in tiny drops from the inner surface of the stomach