The absence of food means absence of mechanical stimuli and cessation or diminution of the secretion of gastric juice, and hence a diminished acidity. Carbon dioxide may be secreted into the empty stomach and may act as the primary stimulus. Carbon dioxide and other gases may enter the stomach from the intestines and act as stimuli. Succus entericus, pancreatic juice, and bile may enter the stomach and act as the primary stimulus through alkalinity or by means of specific substances, such as the bile acids. The reader will recall that a number of workers maintain that bile facilitates the intestinal movements. .