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XIII. Of the Origin and Compound Functions of the Facial Nerve, or Portio dura 

 of the Seventh Nerve; — being the Second Paper in explanation of the diffe- 

 rence between the Nerves of the Encephalon, as contrasted with the regular 

 Series of Spinal Nerves. By Sir Charles Bell, K. H., F. R. SS. L. S^ Ed., 

 M.D. H. Gott., Sfc. 



(Read 9th April 1838.) 



In following out the principle formerly laid down — that the study of the 

 organization and functions of the part to which the nerve is distributed, will 

 explain the peculiarities of its origin and connections — I have in this paper en- 

 tered on a subject of great extent and difficulty. 



As the Facial Nerve is one of a distinct class, it will be necessary to shew 

 in what that class is peculiar — that it essentially belongs to the act of breathing 

 — that the act of respiration being, in its ordinary condition, independent of the 

 wiU, there are nerves appropriated to that function. At the same time, it must 

 be shewn, as the apparatus of breathing is made subservient to other piu-poses 

 in the economy, by what relations it is brought under the influence of the will. 



The excited act of breathing extends to the features of the face; and the 

 face, so influenced, is especially the seat of expression. The same parts are the 

 instruments of speech. Hence, it appears, that the nerve which animates the 

 features must have a compound root. It wiU be my object to shew that the 

 facial nerve has an origin corresponding with its complex operations. 



It has been affirmed that I have given up the term Respiratory Nerves. 

 This betrays an ignorance of the whole subject. But as it may have arisen 

 from my imperfect description, I beg the Society to permit me to illustrate this 

 subject, as the necessary foundation of what I have to offer on the nerve of the 

 face. In an inquiry of this kind, the observation of natural phenomena is more 

 agreeable, and more conclusive, than experiments on living animals. With this 

 object, let us notice the actions of the frame at a time when sense and volition 

 are withdrawn. 



It is sometimes the severe duty of the physician to watch the act of dying, 

 and to mark its successive stages. A man is not dying, whilst yet the respira- 

 tion is unembarrassed. But whether he die from violence and loss of blood, or 

 by gradual exhaustion and lingering disease, the act may l)e said to commence 

 with an excited state of the respiratory organs. 



When the vision is clouded, and the eyes want speculation or direction, and 



