OF FUNCTION; OR, HOW WE ACT. 23 



up in or around them. When we touch any object, 

 for example, the nerve-tissue undergoes such a 

 change ; the cellular substance which surrounds their 

 terminations (Figs. 1 and 2) 

 resembles to some degree the 

 fulminating powders, and de- 

 composes, though only to a 

 limited extent, at a touch. 



From the decomposition thus 

 set up, is it not natural to 

 believe that a peculiar force, 

 or current, might arise, like 

 the galvanic, but not the same, 

 because the chemical changes, 

 though resembling those which 

 take place in inorganic sub- 

 stances, are not the same? 



The nerve of the finger (after 



Ihe nerVOUS force Originates Kolllker). The smaller branches 



are covered with minute cor- 



in a peculiar chemical change, puscies. itisdonbtfui.nowever, 



whether these are concerned in 



and is, therefore, a peculiar the sense of touch. 

 force. But, as its source is very similar to that of 

 galvanism, so are its characters very similar also. It 

 is like, but different, at once in its source and nature. 



