37 



I'ower of inovemont was also partially restored, so that he was able to lift 

 liis limlis ([uite a distaiice from the bed ; his toes, however, were still lax and pos- 

 •^essed no sensation nor power of movement. Although the application of massage 

 was eontinued for several weeks, the improvement seemed to be most marked dur- 

 ing the lirst two weeks. 



Let us now turn to the problem, and, if possible, ascertain its solution. I 

 urn. however, forced to confess that the more I look into the case the more com- 

 plicated it appears. 



In the first jdace it is very generally believed by physiologists that there are 

 ijuitc detinite paths for the transmission of sensory and motory impressions in the 

 cord. 1 do not intcnil to discuss here the disputed iiuestion of the jiosition of 

 these tracts, but it is sutliciont to say that we are confident in this case that there 

 were some ol)strnctions at first in the cord, so that impulses could not pass from 

 tlie brain to the limbs and vice verm. 



It would seem at first sight that either this obstruction was removed, perhaps 

 by the regeneration of the nerve tissue, or that the impressions had been educated 

 into new paths. 



The laboratory has given us (juite undisputed evidence to show that abnormal 

 paths are sometimes brought into use. For instance hemisection in the thoracic 

 region of the right side of the cord of a dog will cause paralysis of the right limb. 

 But, however, after the effect of the shock is passed, recovery is soon noted. Like- 

 wise hemisection a little higher on the left side of the cord brings about similar 

 phenomena for the left limb. Again, if the experiment is tried still higher on 

 the right side the story is again repeated. This compels us to believe that im- 

 pulses would have to take a zigzag path. While this may be true of the dog we 

 must not be too hasty in concluding that the impressions can take new paths in 

 the human cord. It is a universal law that the higher Ave ascend the animal 

 scale the greater is the precision of these paths, and injury to the most definite 

 ones is more apt to have a permanent eflfect. 



As to formation of nerve tissue we know it is more likely to take place in the 

 lower than in the higher vertebrates. And if there was degeneration resulting 

 from an injury then there might be grave apprehensions in regard to regeneration 

 in so high a form as a human l)eing, while it might be true in some of the lower 

 forms. 



The suggestions given aliove hardly make it clear. We are still left in doubt 

 as to the virtue of the application of friction. It makes it more complicated 

 when we think of the length of tinje that the man was paralyzed and how sudden 

 ivas the recovery after the application of the remedy. It certainly would lead 



