192 On the Reflex Function of the Spinal Marrow, 



the contrary, the spinal nerves going to the extremities are 

 excluded from this harmony. 



" But if a certain irritation of the spinal chord and brain be 

 induced by narcotism or other causes, then every perception 

 may produce a discharge of the spinal marrow to all the 

 motor nerves, even to those which are affected with the great- 

 est difficulty, viz. the motor nerves of the extremities." (pp. 688 

 -—701.) 



Such is the account of this subject given by Prof. Mliller. 

 I may be allowed to repeat that I have perused this unpreju- 

 diced and independent testimony to the importance of my in- 

 vestigations with unmingled satisfaction. 



Before I dismiss the subject, I must add that my views are 

 somewhat different from those of Prof. Miiller : 



1. I view the reflex function as the distinct and peculiar or 

 proper function of the medulla spinalis, equally independent 

 of the brain, the sympathetic, and of the anastomoses and the 

 mere origins of nerves ; 



2. I regard this function as residing in the medulla, as the 

 axis of a distinct system of excitor and motor, and excito-mo- 

 t07-y nerves ; 



3. I consider this function and its system of nerves as pre- 

 siding over the orifices and the exits or sphincters of the ani- 

 mal frame, and over ingestion and egestion ; 



4. The brain is the central organ of sensation and voli- 

 tion, the organ of mental relation with the external world ; 

 the spinal marrow, on the contrary, is the central organ of 

 excito-motory phenomena, and o^ i\\e physical appropriation of 

 certain external objects ; 



5. Respiration even is a part of this peculiar function : it is 

 excited on ordinary, and on extraordinary occasions, through 

 appropriate excitor nerves, especially the pneumo-gastric, 

 but also the fifth and spinal nerves; 



6. Volition may modify the acts of the reflex function, and 

 these acts may be attended by sensation ; but this function is, 

 otherwise, independent both of volition and sensation, of 

 their organ the brain, and of the mind or soul; 



7. The passions^ in an especial manner, demonstrate them- 

 selves through the medium of the true spinal marrow ; and thus 

 pain may induce surprise or fear, and appear to occasion an 



excito-motory act ; 



8. The brain sleeps', but the spinal marrow never sleeps; 



9. Finally, the excito-motory system of nerves are the pe- 

 culiar seat of action of certain diseases, and of certain causes and 

 remedies of disease. 



These and other propositions I ani about to illustrate in a 



