( 347 ) 
lapse of time since the beginning of the reaction, This conformity 
however is hardly astonishing, when we consider the genesis of the 
formula, Furtheron we may perhaps be enabled to demonstrate that 
in the domain of muscle-function phenomena may occur that are 
time-functions and proceed in absolutely the same manner as the 
laws for the discharge of a condensator or the velocity of monomolecular 
reactions, as e.g. the process indicating recovery from fatigue. 
The formula (8) represents an exponential asymptotic curve, 
viz. with the increment of the variable 2, EZ too increases, but 
gradually more slowly, till at last it approaches a definite maximum, 
never quite attainable. Whilst the increment of Z is strongest, when 
the magnitude of & is very small, the increment diminishes gradu- 
ally, as R becomes greater. 
This relation will appear more clearly by the aid of a graphical 
expression of this function. If in a rectangular system of coördinates 
we take the different values of & as abscissae and after assuming 
definite values for the constant quantities 4d, B and C, calculate the 
magnitude of the /, belonging to each value of A, and take them 
as ordinates then we are enabled to plot the curve expressed by (8). 
(See figures 1—10). 
The zeropoint on the x-axis is determined by the quantity C. 
The factor B determines the steepness of the curve. By a very simple 
method this steepness may be indicated in a still more striking 
manner. ‘Therefore we consider firstly that the curve shows a 
marked tendency to attain a definite maximum, indicated by the 
constant A, which fact is evident by a single glance at the figure 
as well as at the formula. 
The value «—£(2-© grows smaller in reason of the increase 
of FR, until & being =o, «—B@-C) will have become = 0, thus 
reducing the formula to LR=w = A. 
We now may express the steepness of curve by the magnitude of 
stimulus necessary to make B(R—C)=1. The formula then will 
stand thus. 
1 
EB(R-O=1 = A (1 —= | = 0,632 A 
é 
or about 2/3 A. From this condition, follows: 
hr eM EN PERRE Ue Seed) 
