718 SPASMODIC EIGIDITY. [BOOK m. 



case of the diseases in question just the opposite seems to take 

 place ; the position which appears to determine the development 

 of the remarkable contraction is precisely that in which the 

 strain upon the extensors is at its minimum. It may be doubted, 

 therefore, whether the word reflex should be used to denote 

 such phenomena , but the phenomena themselves deserve atten- 

 tion, especially perhaps as shewing how in the disorders of the 

 grey matter of the cord due to disease impulses or influences 

 which are latent only in health become actual and effective. 



It remains for us to speak of the part played by the spinal 

 cord, as the instrument of the brain, in the execution of volun- 

 tary movements and in the development of conscious sensations ; 

 but it will be best to consider these matters in connection with 

 the brain itself, to the study of which we must now turn. 



