130 VIS NERVOSA A SPECIFIC FORCE. 



than through a copper wire. But of the tremendous 

 loss of power incurred by sending electricity through 

 such a bad conductor, and to the fact that the vis 

 nervosa is not transmissible through a metallic wire, 

 he says nothing at all. As, however, his theory, that 

 the force evolved in muscular action is derived wholly 

 from electric currents, turns much upon the first of 

 these points, the question may be deferred till we come 

 to that subject. 



From the foregoing considerations, it seems to me 

 that the more probable conclusion is that the vis nervosa 

 is a specific force analogous to electricity, galvanism, 

 and magnetism, but distinct from them just as these 

 are distinct from each other, although it is easily con- 

 vertible into heat or electricity. 



