1886. | Psychology. 83 
Though not bearing directly on the present subject, it is impor-. 
tant to observe that Vulpian has succeeded in separately stimulating 
near their origin both the spinal accessory and the pneumogastric 
nerves. Excitement of the first named alone causes arrest of the 
heart, while both are able to set up movements in the stomach 
and other organs. Stimulation of the pneumogastric seemed to 
have no influence upon the circulation or the secretion of the 
mucous membrane of the stomach.— Comptes Rendus, T. ct, p. 851. 
PSYCHOLOGY. 
THe Marertat Conpitions oF Memory.—The greatest pos- 
sible importance attaches to the question of the physical condi- 
tions of consciousness, but the investigation of it is surrounded 
with great difficulties. One of the most available points of ap- 
proach is by a study of the characteristics of memory.. Memory 
may be defined as tutermittent or recurrent consciousness; and it 
follows that whatever produces or destroys memory is also a 
cause of the appearance or disappearance of consciousness. I 
refer especially to reminiscence, or the recurrent consciousness 
of a previous impression, as that part of memory which gives it 
its importance in this connection. 
_ Memory is reasonably understood to be the result of an impres- 
sion made on a physical basis of consciousness by some stimulus. 
The structure of this matter is affected, so that on the recurrence 
of consciousness within it, the consciousness takes the form or char- 
acter of the modified structure it finds there. Important informa- 
tion as to the effects of different stimuli may therefore be gained 
by a consideration of their relative capacities for reproduction in 
the reminiscent phase of memory. On this point the following 
Propositions may be considered : 
_ there are two sources of impressions which reappear as memo- 
ries; those from the subject or subjective activities of the mind, 
and those from objects or things external to the mind. Before 
considering these, it is necessary to guard against confounding the 
recollection of the occurrence of an event, with the recollection-or 
reminiscence of the sensations which constituted that event. Thus 
€ can remember that he reached some conclusion in a given dis- 
Cussion, but may be unable to remember the conclusion itself. 
€ may remember that he was angry, but be quite unable to re- 
Produce the passion. He may remember that he had a toothache, 
but may be unable to reproduce the suffering itself. : 
ubjective stimuli are of the two classes into which all mental 
ee, fall, the intelligent and the emotional. Objective stimuli be- _ 
Ong to the pains and pleasures of all parts of the body, and to the 
gona general senses. To what extent are all these phases — 
Consciousness susceptible of reproduction in the reminiscent 
Part of memory? There is a kind of memory not strictly remi- — 
miscent, which may be well termed, recognition. The difference 
