Considered in this light, the processes of mastication insalivation, and deglutition, are not only useful in preparing the morsel for the future action of the gastric juice, but, by transmitting the food to the stomach in small portions at a time, likewise serve the important secondary purpose of _preventing its too rapid or excessive distention_. To this good end, indeed, the stomach itself contributes, as has been distinctly shewn by Dr Beaumont. In the natural state of that organ, a regular and gentle contraction of its whole fibres and cavity follows the introduction of each individual morsel, and it is not till the relaxation consequent on that contraction takes place, that another is willingly admitted. This arrangement was more than suspected by other physiologists, but it remained for the American experimenter to _demonstrate_ its existence and purposes. It is true that, during a hurried repast for example, food _may_ be rapidly introduced into the stomach by an active effort of the will, but it is precisely in such circumstances that we are apt to eat too much, and that indigestion follows; because, from no time being allowed for the secretion of the requisite quantity of gastric juice, and its proper mixture with each portion of the aliment, the stomach is placed in an unnatural situation, and its nerves cannot receive the same impression of “_enough eaten_,” which is designed by Nature to arise only from the one being duly proportioned to and mixed with the other. The advantage of the natural arrangement is therefore confirmed rather than refuted by what may at first appear an exception.