17 



natural condition the surface of eajch^is in a positiv^e Ai-t^t^^^ 

 state, and the core of each is in a negative relation; in "^ tl^^*^ 

 other words, tlie loncjitudinal and transverse surfaces 

 are, as a rule, relatively in the antagonistic conditions. 

 Strange to say by irritation, heat, or the occurrence of 

 death, a complete reversal of these magnetic relations 

 takes place, not only so, but sections of nerve or muscle 

 may change in this way, other sections remaining in the 

 natural relation. Statical electiicitv in a state of rest 

 is the primary condition of this power in these tissues, 

 and in action magnetism usurps the place of this potent 

 fluid, or rather it is a higher manifestation of the same 

 energy. All physical action is accompanied by elec- 

 trical discharge. In the experiments of Matteucci, Du- 

 Bois-Raymond and others, this is clearly demonstrated 

 directly and by analogy. The nerves of the electric 

 system of a torpedo eel spring from the anterior track of 

 the spinal cord, and at the periphery of each are the 

 same complicated plexuses analogous to those in our 

 bodies springing from a similar source. If the nerves 

 of each are divided in any part of their course, both are 

 equally affected by paralysis, and if shocked by elec- 

 tricity both show activity in an analogous manner. 

 They are similarly affected by the application of toxic 

 irritants, especially by strychnia, which induces in both 

 convulsions and the elimination of electricity. Both 

 become exhausted by action and return to their normal 

 tonicity by rest. In a word, what can be predicated of 

 the one, can be affirmed of the other, in all respects. 

 If the nerves of the rheoscopic limbs of two frogs are 

 only connected by water, or by candle-wick saturated 

 with water, and the nerve of one is pinched, or any 

 irritant applied, the magnetic fluid will traverse this 

 foreign isthmus and cause contraction of the distal 

 limb, showing conclusively that when electricity is 



