( 652 ) 
We ought therefore still to consider what will happen in the 
case of a and 6 being altered. 
To that purpose we will examine the curve represented by the 
second factor of (15). 
In the first place we find the curve to possess a maximum for: 
1 aA 
a—p ce B 
1 == 
(16) 
This maximum will be reached the sooner in proportion as « is 
greater and @ smaller. Consequently in the case of a great dissi- 
milation the maximum will soon appear. It even may appear, 
{being =0; in other words: the curve in this case descends from 
the very first, whilst in the case of @ being small, it ascends at 
first, to descend subsequently. Furthermore the curve possesses a 
point of inflexion at: 
1 aA 
‘= In ——. 
a— 6 p°-B 
(17) 
The curve first turns its concave side to the axis, to continue 
convex to the abscissa. 
Finally the curve possesses an asymptote B, where the assi- 
milation is therefore in perfect equilibrium with the dissimilation. 
For the particular case « = B and A = B, the curve is transformed 
into a straight line. 
Constant stimulation of muscle. When a muscle is stimulated 
directly or indirectly by a faradic current of constant rhythmus 
and constant intensity, we may speak of a constant stimulus, and 
the views we put forward just now, may find their application. Indeed 
the tetanuscurve shows in its course all particulars that are to be 
deduced from (15). This fact may be observed still more clearly, 
if the rhythmus is protracted until it becomes so slow that the single 
contractions appear without uniting themselves to tetanus. We then 
perceive the ascending period of the curve (the staircase), reaching 
rapidly a maximum, and subsequently descending. 
Circumstances, dependent on the magnitude of the constants, may 
sometimes occasion alterations in the course of the curve. Some- 
times the curve may be seen to descend immediately, at first slowly, 
then more rapidly, and at last again slowly. At the end of the curve, 
wnen the stimulus ceases, we always, if the muscles be not too much 
exhausted, observe a line answering very nearly to the formula: 
VE EERE Bvt Sree CN 
This follows directly from (7). 
— Bn 
