THE LAWS OF ORGANIC 



This distinguished anatomist also proved, that 

 opium produces its effects when all the nerves of 

 a part to which it is applied are cut out. 



CCXCIII. It has been shown by different 

 physiologists, that mechanical means, such as 

 pressure, either partial or general, applied to the 

 brain, disturbs the regular motions of the heart ; 

 and this fact, instead of supporting the views of 

 WILSON PHILIP in regard to the nervous con- 

 nexion existing between these organs, will be 

 found, if examined, to strengthen the principles 

 proposed, in which I endeavour to prove, that the 

 circulation is the only medium through which these 

 derangements are communicated. The heart has 

 been shown to be independent of the brain, yet 

 capable of being influenced through it. If the 

 former organ be independent of the latter, the 

 sensorium is every moment dependent upon the heart 

 for its vitality and the exercise of its functions ; 

 therefore, whatever mechanical means are applied, 

 whether to the whole or any single part, will con- 

 sequently disorder the action of the heart in pro- 

 portion to the extent of the sanguiferous system 

 implicated. The return and distribution of the Hood 

 will be retarded or arrested ; and this circumstance 



order to ascertain the action of opium and other substances 

 upon the animal economy since this able article was written ; 

 but I am much disposed to think that we have gained scarcely 

 one sure step for the last half century, at the commencement 

 of which it was published. In reference to this subject we 

 may employ the words of a German anatomist, <f that what is 

 new is not true, and what is true is not new.' 1 



