ELECTRO-PHYSIOLOGY. 345 



tinually weaker. Tlie consequence of this fact, according to all analogy, is, 

 that the chemical actions, on which depends the muscular electricity, are con- 

 sumed in the contraction, and are gradually restored through repose. Thi3 

 fact, however, should not be confounded with the instantaneous electric phe- 

 nomenon of the inducted contraction which is produced in the very act of the 

 contraction. 



It is proper that I should notice the difference which exists between the elec- 

 tric organ of the torpedo and the muscular electro-motor. The function of the 

 formtr does not develop heat; does not produce movement; is not accompanied 

 by the chemical action of combustion between the oxygen and the substance of 

 the organ ; the nervous irritation of the organ of the torpedo does not perma- 

 nently increase the electro-motor power, as though that irritation acted upon an 

 apparatus of secretion, and from the product of that secretion the electro-motor 

 element of the organ had its origin. In the muscle, on the other hand, all pro- 

 ceeds from the chemical action which arises between the oxygen and the sub- 

 stance of the muscle ; hence the heat, movement, electricity which accompany 

 that chemical action. When an excess of contraction occurs, there is an excess 

 of consumption of this chemical action which must necessarily be followed by a 

 diminution of the electro-motor power of the mvxscle. 



Arrived at the termination of this course, I cannot but be grateful for the 

 attention manifested, and indulge the hope that, on some not distant occasion, I 

 may again meet you in order to treat of some other of those branches of physics 

 with which I have occupied and still occupy myself. 



