( 3G2 ) 



ions of the inspiratory centre?, which are supposer] to exist in the 

 medulla oblongata. 



Strong currents call forth a forced permanent inspiration (occa- 

 sionally a deep inspiration followed by lengthening (suppression) of 

 the expiration). Weak currents cause acceleration of respiration. 

 Often, both these effects, may be observed combined. 



So with respect to this problem, we todk the side of MUNK i) 

 and Spencer -) against Hitzig -") and Frakcois Franck *). 



During our experiments we found that a regular respiration was 

 to be considered extremely rare, with the animals at our disposal. 

 Acceleration of rhythm, variation of amplitude, superficial inspi- 

 ration alternating with a deep or a very deep one, all these appa- 

 rently spontaneous disturbances were often observed, and may occur 

 without any electric stimulatiou of the coitex. They were a hin- 

 drance to our experiments. 



Two circumstances could be considered to be the cause of the 

 irregularity in the respiration of our animals ; the naixnsis, which 

 could not be dispensed with, as a painful operation had to be per- 

 formed, and the serious operation^ necessary for the exposure of the 

 cortex of the brain. Both influence the respiration, increasing the 

 action of the inspiratory functions. 



The influence of morphia-narcosis. 



All the animals experimented on, were operated in ether-narcosis, 

 after the injection of a small quantity of murias morphici 

 (dt 0.005 — 0.010 Gr. pro kilogramme weight of the animal). 



It mav be true, and we also stated the fact, that the irregular 

 respiration may be made into a regular one, in rhythm and in amplitude, 

 bv means of ether, but we did not dare make use of this poison, con- 

 sidering the uncertain influence exercised by it on the excitability of 

 the psycho-motor centres of the cortex. 



On the other side it is a well-known fact, that ether-narcosis passes 



') Herman Hunk. Ueber die Fiuictioiieu der Gros/.hirii-Riiide. Elfte Mittheilung. 

 1890. S. 131). (Geleseii in dei- Gesamuit-Sitzung der Königlichen Akademie der Wis- 

 seuscliüfteii zn Berlin, am 20 Juli 1882). 



-) VV. G. Spencer. Philosopliical Transactions of the Ivoyal Societ\'. London 1S'.I5. 

 Vol. 1S5. p. 609. The effect produced upon Respiration by faradic excitation of the 

 cerebrum in the monkey, dog-, cat and rabbit. 



') Edu.^rd Hitzig. Untersuchungeu ueber das Gehirn. Berlin 1871 S. SI. 



^J FK.^Nfois Franck. Lemons sur les fonctions du cerveau. Paris 1887. p. 126— 162. 



