PRESENT STATE OF ORGANIC ELECTRICITY. 321 



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

 serted into a vein emptied of its blood, produced no effect. 



5. One electrode applied to the mucous membrane, the 

 other inserted into a vein not proceeding from the same spot, 

 produced no effect. 



6. It was not necessary to insert the second electrode into 

 the vein, for the needle was deflected if the second electrode 

 was merely dipped into the blood flowing from the vein. 



Having ascertained how far the different solid and fluid 

 substances in contact with the electrodes might interfere 

 with the result, and also in what manner the effects were in- 

 fluenced by the death of the animal, Mr. Baxter concluded 

 from his experiments, that 



1. When the electrodes of a galvanometer are brought 

 into communication one with the mucous membrane of the 

 alimentary canal, the other with the blood flowing from the 

 same part a deviation of the needle takes place, indicating 

 that the secreted product and the blood are in opposite electric 

 states. 



2. The effect occurs during the life of the animal, and 

 ceases after its death. 



3. The effect may be considered as arising from the de- 

 composition of the blood i.e. from the changes which occur 

 during the formation of the secreted product and venous blood. 



4 These changes are effected by the organic actions of 

 the part. 



The Electric Relations of Gland. In a second paper,* Mr. 

 Baxter records the experiments which he had made to deter- 

 mine the electric relations of the secretions and blood of the 

 liver, kidney, and mammary gland. The facts which his ex- 

 periments tend to establish are as follow : 



* Phil. Trans. 1852. An experimental inquiry undertaken with a view 

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

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



Y 



