320 rHESENT STATE OF ORGANIC ELECTRICITi^ 



done, the difference of the chemical composition of the secre- 

 tions to the electric force itself. It is evident, therefore, that 

 the ingenious conjectures of WoUaston and Yomig, and the 

 experiments of Donne and Matteucci, merely indicated a 

 promising field of discovery, and formed a prelude to researches 

 which promised more precise results after the structures 

 experimented upon had been more definitely selected. 



The Electric Relations of Mucous Memhrane. — Mr. H. F. 

 Baxter has recorded the results of his experiments on this sub- 

 ject.* The principal object Mr. Baxter had in view was to 

 determine the relative electric condition of the secretions of 

 the mucous membrane, and of its vessels and blood ; fulfil- 

 ling, therefore, what has already been stated as an apparent 

 condition of success in all such inquiries — viz. experimenting, 

 as far as can be, on distinct textures or organs, and not on 

 their aggregations. 



The mucous membrane of the stomachs, and of the small 

 and large intestines, of the rabbit, cat, and guinea-pig, were 

 selected ; and pointed and fl,attened platinum electrodes ap- 

 plied respectively to the surface of the mucous membrane, 

 and inserted into the vessels. The following were the general 

 results : — 



1. The inside and outside of the gut were formed into a 

 circuit without effect. 



2. One electrode on the mucous membrane, the other 

 inserted into an artery proceeding to the same spot, produced 

 no effect. 



3. One electrode on the mucous membrane, the other in- 

 serted into a vein proceeding from the same spot, indicated a 

 positive condition of the vein or its contents, by a deviation 

 of the needle to the extent of from 3° to 5°. 



* Pliil. Trans. 1848. " An experimental inquiry, undertaken witli a view 

 of ascertaining whether any, or what, signs of current electricity are manifested 

 during the organic process of secretion, in living animals," etc. 



