Kitap 1
11
Let us once more, then, recall the actual purpose for which Nature has constructed all these parts. Its name, as previously stated, is nutrition, and the definition corresponding to the name is: an assimilation of that which nourishes to that which receives nourishment.We might perhaps say, more shortly, assimilation of food to feeder, or, of food to fed; Linacre reanders, nutrimenti cum nutrito assimilatio. And in order that this may come about, we must assume a preliminary process of adhesion,Lit. prosphysis, i.e. attachment, implantation. and for that, again, one of presentation.Lit. prosthesis, apposition. One is almost tempted to retain the terms prosthesis and prosphysis in translation, as they obviously correspond much more closely to Galen's physiological conceptions than any English or semi-English words can. For whenever the juice which is destined to nourish any of the parts of the animal is emitted from the vessels, it is in the first place dispersed all through this part, next it is presented, and next it adheres, and becomes completely assimilated.
