QVEST. XI. Whether the Stomacke be nourished by the Chylus or by Bloud.
FInally, that we may passe from the stomack, we will end with that great con∣trouersie * 1.1 which is amongst Phisitians concerning his nourishment. Some there are who thinke that the Stomacke and the Guttes are nourished by the Chylus, some by crude or raw bloud not laboured in the Parenchyma or sub∣stance of the Liuer; but onely hauing an inchoated mittigation in the braun∣ches of the port or gate veine.
Auicen thought that the vtter coate was nourished with bloud and the inner with Chy∣lus. Zoar writeth that the vpper or neruous part is nourished with the Chylus, and the lo∣wer * 1.2 which is more fleshy, with bloud. We with Galen determine, that the whole stomack * 1.3 as all other membranes is nourished with pure bloud, which hath had his vtmost and per∣fect elaboration in the Liuer. For the proofe whereof beside the vulgar and ouerworn ar∣guments which Physitians vse, these of no light moment may be cast vnto the heape.
The first is taken from Dissection, because through all the coates of the stomacke and his two orificies, there appeare notable and aboundant veines diuersly dispersed, which 1 1.4 doubtlesse were not idely or in vein ordayned by Nature, neither yet to transport the Chy∣lus to the hollownes of the Liuer, howsoeuer Bauhine be conceited, (vnlesse happely in ex∣treamity of hunger) for then they should carry it rawe, not yet hauing receiued his perfec∣tion in the guts.
Moreouer if the veines were especially appointed for the transportation of the Chylus, it being made rather in the bottome then at the sides or top of the stomacke, there should haue beene more veines and more conspicuous in the bottome then in the top, which ex∣perience teacheth vs to be otherwise; for the whole basis and circumference of the vpper mouth is incompassed with an ample vessell called Coronaria stomachica or the garland vein of the stomack, because the coats of the orifics are thicker then those of the bottome, and therefore neede more plentifull Aliment. We resolue therefore that these veines were or∣dained for the nourishment of the stomacke; but wee will vnder-prop this reason with a stronger.
In the Chylus although it be laudable and well disposed, yet there remaine some vnpro∣fitable 2 1.5 and excrementitious parts; to wit, Choler, Melancholy, and whay or vrine, which cannot be separated or purged there from but by the heate of the Liuer. Now nothing can nourish perfectly vnlesse it be cleansed from those recrements: how therefore shal the Chylus not yet defoecated, be sayd to be conuenient Aliment for the stomacke? And this * 1.6 Galen seemeth to intimate when he sayth; That nothing can perfectly nourish which hath not passed through all the concoctions.
A third argument to proue our assertion, that the stomacke is nourished by blood, is be∣cause those creatures that mew themselues vp all winter in holes and rockes and such secret 3 1.7