ANIMAL MUSCULAR ACTION. ^ 2CX) 



nerves of a human subject, at a time when they 

 attracted great attention from their novelty. The 

 most important nerves were laid bare, and succes- 

 sively subjected to contact with the connecting 

 wires of powerful combined batteries. The trans- 

 mission of the electric current caused the arm of 

 the subject to be uplifted in a menacing attitude, 

 as when upraised in life to rob a lonely traveller ; 

 the fingers to move, and the fist to be clenched. 

 The breast heaved with a convulsive motion, as if 

 laboring heavily in an attempt to breathe. 



By forming contacts with different nerves of 

 the face, the muscular contractions exhibited a 

 fitful display of human passions. The eyebrows 

 became alternately arched, and drawn down into 

 a scowl ; the nostrils dilated, the mouth con- 

 tracted, as if tasting powerful acids. Revenge, 

 desire, and loathing were so naturally counter- 

 feited, that it required the stern test of reason 

 and reflection to dispel the illusion that life had 

 been restored ; particularly when the eyelid opened 

 with an apparent expression of surprise at being 

 recalled to a world from which he had been ex- 

 pelled with infamy. The electric action was finally 

 transmitted through the extensor muscle of one 

 of the retracted legs; when it became instantly 

 extended, and the foot was thrust violently against 

 the stomach of a curious youth, who was leaning 

 over the table with eager attention. He fainted 

 away on receiving the unexpected kick from a 



