(TA) 
the isolated segment belonged to those nerve-roots supplying the 
nether-extremity with sensory and motory nerves, there never was 
to be traced any vestige of reflexive reaction on stimuli applied to 
the isolated dermatoma. When on the contrary a segment from the 
thoracal or lumbar region had been isolated, it remained still possible 
in most cases to observe some expression of retained reflexive function. 
After a slight mechanical excitation of the skin on the isolated derma- 
toma, that had first been proved to have retained sensibility, there 
followed regularly a short contraction in certain muscles. When 
either the 18% thoracal or one of the first lumbar segments had been 
isolated, this contraction was observerd in a more or less sharply 
defined portion of the M. longissimus dorsi and of the M. ileocostalis. 
The place where this contraction presented itself, apparently depended 
on the serial number of the isolated segment. In cases where one of 
the more cranial thoracal segments had been isolated, there appeared, 
besides the contraction of the M. longissimus dorsi, still another con- 
traction in the intercostal muscles of the same segment by means 
of which two ribs were moved towards one another. 
These reflexive muscle-contractions were easiest to be provoked 
by an exceedingly gentle mechanical stimulus, applied to a portion 
of the skin-surface not too strictly defined, f. 1. by stroking the wrong 
way with a finger-tip the hairs that had been cut short. Nevertheless 
the stimulus, in whatever manner applied, seemed to be effective 
only when applied within the dorsal region of the dermatoma. 
In one ease only, after exciting the ventral region of L/, con- 
tractions appeared in a portion of the m. obliquus abdominis, situated 
nearly under the isolated dermatoma. 
These symptoms of reflexive reactions appeared with still more 
clearness, whenever | employed the method for increasing reflexive 
reactions by means of a strictly local application of a solution of 
strychnine-salts on the dorsal surface of the medulla, a method *) 
elaborated by my assistent-doctor Mr. Dusser Dr Barennu. If fi. 
nitrate of strychnine in a solution of 1°/, was applied to the isolated 
segment of the medulla, the excitability to reflexive reactions of the 
segment was notably increased. After the gentlest mechanical touch 
there followed then in the muscles named before a contraction much 
more evident and intense. Moreover, on exciting the skin-field on 
one side, apparently with the same intensity there ensued a con- 
traction in the symmetrical muscles of the other half of the body, 
the expression of a crossed reflex. 
1) Gompare Folia Neuroiogica V. 1, 42—58. Haarlem 1911, 
