PATHOLOGY OF BUAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 283 



as can be done by mere experiment ; but that much light can be 

 thrown upon the subject, and the trutli of theories tested, by the 

 observation of disease. To this part of the subject, the Dublin 

 Committee propose to apply themselves during the ensuing 

 year, if it be the wish of the Association that their inquiries 

 should be continued. 



(Signed) James Macartney, M.D., F.R.S. 



Robert Adams, A.M., T.C.D. 



EvoRY Kennedy, M.D. 



George Greene, A.B., M.D. 



John Hart, M.D. 



Wm. Bruce Joy, A.M., M.B. 



John Nolan, M.D. 



Robert Law, M.D. 



H. Carlile, A.B., T.C.D. 

 August I9th, 1836. 



Report of the Dublhi Committee on the Pathology of the 

 Brain and Nervous St/stan. 



The Committee appointed in Dublin to investigate the '^ Patho- 

 logy of the Brain and Nervous System," feel compelled, on the 

 present occasion, to confine themselves to an analysis of the 

 cases of nervous affections which have come under their obser- 

 vation, during the short period which has elapsed since they have 

 considered themselves to be regularly appointed. 



They are of opinion that in order to arrive at accurate patho- 

 logical conclusions on a subject so extensive and complicated, 

 and on Avhich the most eminent authorities are found to disagree, 

 a very great number of cases should be first submitted to their 

 examination — then, the symptoms of each case carefully regi- 

 stered — and, subsequently accurate post mortem examinations 

 made, in the presence of the Committee, to ascertain the struc- 

 tural lesion or lesions with which the symptoms co-existed. 



As far as their investigations have as yet extended, they see 

 that the subject, if considered in all its details, will require a 

 considerable length of time before they can accumulate such a 

 number of cases and matured observations as would justify 

 them in drawing general conclusions. 



