RT Journal
A1 HEINEMANN PG
T1 LActic acid as an agent to reduce intestinal putrefaction
JF Journal of the American Medical Association
JO Journal of the American Medical Association
YR 1909
FD January 30
VO LII
IS 5
SP 372
OP 376
DO 10.1001/jama.1909.25420310032001e
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1909.25420310032001e
AB In a book recently published and entitled "The Prolongation of Life," Optimistic Studies by Elie Metchnikoff, the author has made an attempt to analyze the causes of premature senility. The origin and uses of the large intestine are discussed and an attempt made to account for its purpose. The author argues that protection is afforded to animals which are frequently compelled to make a hasty escape from enemies by allowing the waste products of digestion to accumulate without the necessity of immediate discharge. He seeks to prove this theorem by a number of examples. Birds have neither a large intestine nor a bladder and therefore are unable to retain waste products. Exception to this rule is the ostrich, which, not being able to fly, has developed a large intestine so as to be enabled to continue a lengthy flight. Mammals have, as a rule, a large intestine because their terrestrial