54 DR. HILL, FROM REFLEX ACTION TO VOLITION. 



of filaments of the network and transmission of impulses. The 

 function of the cells seems to be to look after the nutrition of the 

 filaments. We cannot find any cell that has any such use as that 

 suggested, viz. : — that it is a kind of little office in which an ideal 

 impression is originated and from which it is discharged. 



As to the distinction between reflex and automatic action, again 

 I should say that research into the lower organisms indicates that 

 reflex action is the phenomenon which we can study, and that 

 automatism is a thing which physiology cannot understand. 

 [Applause.] 



The President. — I congratulate the Institute on having had a 

 most interesting evening — interesting both as regards the paper as 

 well as the discussion to which it has given rise, and I am sure 

 you will agree with me that our thanks are due both for the paper 

 and to those who have taken part in considering it. [Applause.] 



The Meeting was then adjourned. 



