THE MECHANISM OF LIFE 



495 



men may be explained, as to their essential factors, by the inhibi- 

 tion of an existing excitation through antagonistic metabolic pro- 



WJi 





FIG. 245. /, Naja haje (Egyptian hooded snake or asp). Experiment of the Egyptian snake- 

 charmers. At the left, above, the asp is in the excited position of attack (shield-position). 

 At the right, above, the animal has been made motionless by pressure in the neck-region and 

 has been laid upon its back. Below, it is in a similar condition, extended, and lying upon 

 its belly. II, Fowl made motionless by being firmly held and laid upon its back. Experi- 

 mentum mirabile of Father Kircher. 



cesses. It may suffice to recall a few well-known phenomena. 

 The ancient experiments of the Egyptian snake-charmers, which 



