1342 
lack of oxygen, which increases if the chloroform inhalation is 
continued, and finally leads to a paralysis of consciousness. When 
this sets in, the respiratory centre has not been paralyzed yet. It 
is indeed a well-known fact that the higher brain-centres are more 
sensitive to oxygen-wathdrawal than all other cells of the body. 
Probably the increased sensitiveness, as a result of a partial oxygen- 
withdrawal, must be looked upon as a general phenomenon. The 
sensitiveness of the vomit-centre for instance decreases, just like 
that of respiratory centre and phagocytes, if more oxygen is supplied. 
Hence the inclination to vomit may be subdued to some extent Dy 
frequent and deep breathing, whilst if is stimulated by lack of 
oxygen. 
Groningen, March 1915. Physiological Laboratory. 
(June 3, 1915). 
