1886.] On Intestinal Rest and Movement. 



469 



value, but lias kindly supplied me with the wires used in these experi- 

 ments. The discussion proved the necessity of the researches which 

 I have undertaken, and the importance of an experimental determina- 

 tion of the self-induction of an electric current in relation to the 

 nature and form of its conductor. 



IX. " Contribution to the Study of Intestinal Rest and Move- 

 ment." By J. Theodore Cash, M.D. Communicated by 

 T. Lauder Brunton, M.D., F.R.S. Received May 25, 

 1886. 



(Abstract.) 



Experiments were made upon a dog in which a Weller's fistula had 

 been established. The length of the isolated intestine (upper part of 

 the jejunum) was 18"5 cm. 



By merely observing the mouths of the fistula, it was ascertained 

 that during a condition of hunger, periods of complete quiescence, 

 varying from two to twelve minutes, occur. At any time, however, 

 contractions having a very regular rhythm, might make themselves 

 manifest. On food being presented to the animal, immediately after 

 swallowing and for some time after ingestion the movements became 

 much more active and persistent. Some hours (four to five) after a 

 full meal they fell to their minimum. 



For the closer study of the speed of transit of a solid or semi-solid 

 body through the fistula, travelling sounds connected with a regis- 

 tering apparatus were employed. Compressible but fixed sounds for 

 the study of local contraction were also used. The most important 

 results obtained were the following : — 



1. That the act of swallowing, whether empty, i.e., produced by 

 external friction of the larynx, or of liquids, is frequently succeeded by 

 contraction, sometimes by distinct peristalsis of the intestine. Inha- 

 lation of sulphuric ether for a few seconds — which causes abundant 

 salivation and deglutition — is almost invariably followed by active 

 intestinal contraction. 



2. Mental impressions, tickling the walls of the abdomen or the 

 application of cold to them, are amongst the causes of contraction of 

 the small intestine. 



3. An unfailing means of producing well-marked peristaltic con- 

 traction is the administration of food to the fasting animal. Not only 

 does this cause the individual contractions to ensue with greater 

 regularity and force than before, but they have less of the pendulum 

 character (contraction succeeded by complete relaxation), and during 

 the pauses the travelling sound is so effectually "gripped" that it 



