130 GERMINATION 



and carries the induced neuro-electrical waves to a depart- 

 ment of the brain other than that served by the more 

 complex and important cochlear nerve. 



Diagrammatic View of the Organ of Hearing. 

 {After Herrick.) 

 a, Ductus cochlearis ; b. Saccule ; c, Ductus endolymphaticus ; d. 

 Utricle ; e, Semi- circular duct ; /, Tympanic cavity, with chaiti of 

 ossicles ; g, Eustachian tube ; /;, Membrana tympani ; j, Recessus 

 epitympanicus. 



Hitherto I have regarded the Basilar membrane as being, 

 in the main, a pavement for the organ of Corti and an 

 environment of connective tissue for the cochlear nerve. 

 But another view is possible. 



The whole structure is estimated to contain about 24,000 

 strings or fibres, varying gradually in length, and resembling 

 in general arrangement the wires of a piano. It is assumed 

 by those who uphold the resonance theory that the vibrations 

 of each string are communicated to a corresponding fibre 

 of the cochlear nerve, through which the stimulus is conveyed 

 to the brain as a nerve impulse, 



I am not informed of the chemical nature of the strings 

 in question but if they are capable of transmitting impulses 

 it is clear, to my mind, that if their length varies their 

 resistance would also vary and in that case their function 

 as part of the transmitting apparatus can be understood. 



In a mere thesis, such as this, the elaboration of minute 

 detail is, obviously, out of the question, and explanation 

 must, of necessity, be more or less elementary. We may, 

 however, if we revert to the third illustration, usefully 



