216 



Dr. J. T. Cash. 



breadth of its recording surface available for registration, when the 

 pen shonld be raised by passage of the sound more deeply into the 

 fistula. A slow rotation of the drum, usually one revolution in 

 about 17', was employed. 



There is no purpose in separating the results according to varia- 

 tion in the experimental method, especially as the fixed sound and the 

 travelling sound were employed with one or two unimportant excep- 

 tions in each class of experiment. 



It may be stated generally that although during a condition of 

 fasting occasional contractions make themselves manifest, the record 

 obtained from a fixed sound sunk 4 cm. into the fistulous intestine 

 shows that periods of complete quiescence are the rule, and movement 

 (as evidenced by contraction around the sound) the exception. When 

 a period or phase of peristaltic activity begins, the first contraction 

 manifests itself, usually by a faint impulse communicated from the 

 sound of the registering apparatus. This is generally succeeded by a 

 series of waves of uniform frequency, but varying in their extent. 

 The repetition of the contractions may, however, show a slight varia- 

 tion; thus, during the first part of a phase the wave contractions 

 may be at first eight in a minute, then nine, and again eight before 

 cessation. 



The following notes fairly indicate the phase of quiescence and of 

 contraction occurring in the intestine. 



Experiment Records. 



Experiment I. — The sound, slightly distended with water (diameter 

 5 mm.), was introduced into the upper fistulous opening; the animal 

 had not fed for fourteen hours, and was evidently hungry. 



0'. Introduce sound. 

 5'. Up to this time rest. 



5' to 6' 40''. Feeble contractions, succeeded by 6' rest. 



13' to 16'. Gentle contraction succeeding slight movement of animal 

 during which it swallowed. 



26'. About a teaspoonful of water was introduced into mouth ; as a 

 result three distinct swallowing movements occurred ; intes- 

 tinal contractions developed themselves which continued 

 strongly for 2' ; faint contraction for the succeeding 3'. 



31*5' to 39*5'. Rest, except for very faint contractions which may 

 have been communicated by a loop of adjacent intestine. 

 Swallowed, but no definite contraction resulted. 



39"5' to 42*5'. Very faint contractions. 



42-5' to 50'5'. Pause. 



50' 5' to 53*5'. " Empty " swallow succeeded by feeble contractions 

 for 3'. 



