13. In the early period of animal life (during the embry
onic stage) until the organs become developed, heat is derived
from the mother. As the organs become developed they are
endowed with the power of producing or generating heat, and
after birth the supply of animal heat is dependent upon this
function of calorification, or heat generating power. Thus vital
action, first produced by heat, creates the power, or generates
the influence necessary to the continuance of its action. Heat
is evolved in every part of the system, and the amount of caloric
activity generated will be in proportion as the vital action is
THE MEDICINES OF NATURE 33
greater.
14. As the heat of the system is lessened, in. that proportion
will vital action diminish. If the system be deprived of caloric
activity for a certain length of time, all the preservative, re
cuperative and sanative phenomena cease. It is the same as
respects oxygen.
15. The stomach is the seat or "throne" of the vital powers;
the main center or source from which is radiated the nervous
power, which, by the aid of heat and oxygen, carries on and
governs the important vital functions of circulation, respiration.
digestion, nutrition, assimilation and the activity of the various
secretions.
16. The stomach is in almost every instance the seat of
disease. When this organ is disordered the power of generat
ing heat and nervous energy is diminished, and consequently
the actions and functions of other organs, especially that of the
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