ON DEATH. 51 



Q. What view then shall we take of respiration? 



Jl. Respiration is a common function, serving as a point 

 of contact between the animal and organic lives, attached 

 to the first by its mechanical, and to the second by its che- 

 mical functions. 



On the Influence, of Death of the Brain upon that of 

 the Heart. 



Q. Is the heart directly influenced by the death of the 

 brain ? 



A. The direct influence of the brain is extended only 

 to the voluntary organs; the heart not being an organ of 

 volition, we conclude it is not under direct cerebral influ- 

 ence. Experiments prove the absence of this direct in- 

 fluence. 



Q. By what intermediate organ does death of the brain 

 act on the heart? 



A. Through the lungs. There is interruption of the 

 cerebral action; then annihilation of the action of muscles 

 of animal life, consequently a cessation of the mechanical 

 functions of the lungs ; next, suspension of the chemical 

 functions, penetration by black blood of the fibres of the 

 heart, and its death? * 



Q. Why is the blood red or black in different surgical 

 operations? 



/#. This depends on the embarrassment of the pulmo- 

 nary function; when that is very great the chemical func- 

 tions of the lungs cease, and the blood discharged is black. 



