208 THE LAWS OF ORGANIC 



CHAP. X. 



The function of the Eighth Pair of Nerves. 



CCXXXI. IT is scarcely necessary to perform 

 new experiments on the present subject to be en- 

 abled to speak with confidence regarding the 

 phenomena connected with the destruction of the 

 eighth pair of nerves. We have a sufficiency of 

 examples illustrating the various changes which 

 occur in the thoracic and abdominal viscera, when 

 this part of the nervous system is injured ; but 

 although the general consequences, with few ex- 

 ceptions, are the same in the different experi- 

 ments brought forward by physiologists, still we 

 observe great discrepancies in the reasoning of 

 those who attempt to explain the precise origin 

 and character of these consequences. 



CCXXXII. Before I adduce any new argu- 

 ments in regard to the eighth pair of nerves, it 

 will be advisable to take a glance at the nervous 

 system in general. This part of the animal eco- 

 nomy has been investigated with more judgment 

 and success within the last few years than any 

 other belonging to the system. Direct experi- 

 ments, multiplied and varied in every possible 

 way, have been appealed to in support of new 



