INORGANIC RESPONSE 103 



of the curve is somewhat steep, and the recovery 

 convex to the abscissa, the fall being relatively rapid 

 in its first, and less rapid in its later, parts. As the 

 electric variation is the concomitant effect of mole- 

 cular disturbance a temporary upset of the molecular 

 equilibrium on the cessation of the external stimulus, 

 the excitatory state, and its expression in electric 

 variation, disappear with the return of the molecules 

 to their condition of equilibrium. This process is 

 seen clearly in the curve of recovery. 



Different metals exhibit different periods of recovery, 

 and this again is modified by any influence which affects 

 the molecular condition. 



That the excitatory state persists for a time even on 

 the cessation of stimulus can be independently shown 

 by keeping the galvanometer circuit open during the 

 application of stimulus, and completing it at various 

 short intervals after the cessation, when a persisting 

 electrical effect, diminishing rapidly with time, will be 

 apparent. The rate of recovery immediately on. the 

 cessation of stimulus is rather rapid, but traces of strain 

 persist for a short time. 



