4)tj^ the Living Sljjslein, SJL . 



two houi^jit was de«d. Compression of the 

 nerves did not excite the least motion in any of 

 the muscles beneath, and when the skin was 

 removed, the application of salt was equally as 

 ineffectual, not the slightest degree of contrac- 

 tion was rendered visible. 



From the event of these last related experi- 

 ments wc are instructed, that the effect off 

 opium is extended to the most distant parts of 

 the body, although the only communication 

 which remains between the extreme parts and 

 the body itself, is by the continuity of nerves, 

 and these palpably not in a state best adapted 

 to convey impressions. 



It yet remained to be examined if by any 

 other communication the effect of opium could 

 be extended to distant parts, if the supposed 

 integrity and indivisibility of the irritable prin- 

 ciple was capable of doing it. 



(w) Experiment 15. 

 The spine of a frog was divided above that 

 part from whence the nerves issue which supplv 

 ^ the inferior extremities ; care w^as taken not to 

 wound any other part. 



After this operation, the muscles of the in- 

 ferior extremities retained their irritability, and 

 though the animal had lost the power of volun- 



(w) Vld. Inaiig. Dijsert. p^ 62* Exp. 42, 



