Human Gastric Function

This film presents an unusual case, illustrating only a few of the studies and experimental methods which have been reported by the author and published in book form. Some of the more important observations on gastric function are mentioned and certain early hypotheses are corroborated and elaborated. The patient, "Tom," in 1895, at the age of 9, developed a complete esophageal stricture from swallowing scalding clam chowder. A gastric fistula was created, through which he has fed himself ever since. In the past 15 years, Tom has been the subject of extensive investigations—he thus may be compared with Alexis St. Martin, whose fistula was the object of the well-known scientific observations of Colonel Beaumont more than a hundred years ago. The written review of this film appears on page 2216 of this issue.