Solutions of some local anesthetics were tested with the view of determining whether the sensory nerves in the gastric mucosa play only an inhibitory rdle in the processes of gastric hunger contractions. Phenol, chloreton, orthoform, quinine-urea-hydrochloride, and adrenalin chloride were used in quantities and concentrations compatible with absolute safety to Mr. V. It was not considered advisable to use cocaine. The solutions of the drugs were introduced in quantities of 100 to 200 c.c.

In the concentrations employed no specific action of any of the above substances could be determined. For example, 100 c.c. of phenol (dilution 1 to 10,000) has the same effect as 100 c.c. of water, that is, a slight temporary inhibition. The same applies to the other drugs. No appreciable anesthesia of the gastric mucosa was produced by any of the drugs. It seems probable that the solutions of these drugs pass out of the stomach just as rapidly as equal quantities of water, and hence do not remain long enough in the stomach to produce local anesthesia. Because of the danger attending the use of local anesthetics in strong concentrations in the stomach, this work was not carried further on man. It seemed, however, that adrenalin chloride introduced into the stomach in considerable quantities could not be particularly injurious. But even in large quantities (100 c.c. of a dilution of 1-10,000) the adrenalin acting in the gastric cavity has no other effect on the hunger movements than equal quantities of water.