5^jr ACTION OF VEGETABLE POISONS. 



I'be brain not I^ has been shown by Mr. Bichat, andthe observation has 



^''"■'^'^y"^'^^^* been confirmed bv some experiments, which 1 have lately 



jaty to the i , i i p • • ■ 



action of the had the honour of communicating to this lotirned Society*, 



heart, ^l^r^^ the brain is not directly necessary to the action of the 



heart ; and that, when the functions of the brain are destroy- 

 ed, the heart continues to contract for some time afterward, 

 and then ceases only in consequence of the suspension of 



„ . respiration, which is under the inflnence of the brain. 



Spirits .'ct on , i • , » i 



the braia It won Id appear trom the experiments, wliicli i have just 



detailed, that the sytnptoms, produced by a lart/e quantity 

 of spirits taken into the stomach, arise entirely from dis- 

 turbance of the functions of the brain. The complete in- 

 sensibility to external impressions, the dilatation of the 

 pupils of the eyes, and the loss of motion, indicate, that the 

 functions of this organ are suspended ; respiration, which is 

 under its influence, is ill performed, and at last altogether 

 ceases; while the heart, to the action of which the brain is 

 not directly necessary, continues to contract, circulating 

 dark coloured blood for some time afterward. 

 and afFcct it in There is a striking analogy between the symptoms arising 

 tfeesameway fiona spirits taken internally, and those produced by inju- 

 injuries. ''■♦^s of the brain. 



Concussion of the brain, which may be considered as the 

 slightest degree of injury, occasions a state of mind resem- 

 bling intoxication ; and the resemblance in some instances 

 IS so complete, that the most accurate observer cannot form 

 a diagnosis, except from the history of the case. Pressure 

 on the brain, which is a more severe injury than concussion, 

 produces loss of motion, insensibility, dilatation of the 

 pupils; respiration becomes laboured and stertorous, is per- 

 formed at long intervals, and at last altogether ceases, and 

 the patient dies. 

 Do tliey act by It forms an interesting matter of inquiry, whether spirits, 

 absorption, or when taken into the stomach, produce their effects on the 

 brain by being absorbed into the circulation, or in conse- 

 quence of the sympathy, that exists between these organs by 

 means of the nerves. The following circumstances lead me 

 to conclude, that they act in the last of these two ways* 



• S^e Joutnal, vol. XXIX, p. Or,9. 



J. In 



