ABSTRACT
Now this member of the body was divided by the ancients into three parts, each of which had its own name. The first part, which beginneth with the palate and goeth down to the stomach itself, they called "stomach". The [second] portion, which is annexed thereto, they called "belly", or "heart". And they call "belly" the whole of that part of the body that extendeth to the end of the lower mouth, which is attached to that upper fullness which is named "sauma ". Now, here are attached the veins that come from the liver, and that are
called "masril$:e" (z: e., those that are connected with the mesentery, or, the membrane to which the intestines are attached), and by the operation I of the natural power that is Fol. 1286. called " attraction" they draw and bring up that juice, which the stomach maketh from the food, to the liver, and there it is changed into blood. It is a natural product, and by means of the nerves it is associated with the head, and it hath a function that concerneth all the members, for if it be supplied with nourishment, and if it be in a sound condition, the whole body is developed thereby through the food [taken]. The food entereth first of all the stomach, wherein it is cooked (z: e., digested) until it becometh fit for absorption by the liver. Now, it is well known that this member performeth a very important function in us, and as concerning the statement which hath been made that its operation is general, this is so truly the case that when it is injured all the members suffer.
