1884.] Experimental Researches in Cerebral Physiology. 437 



March 20, 1884. 



THE PRESIDENT in the Chair. 



The Presents received were laid on the table and thanks ordered for 

 them. 



The following Papers were read : — 



I. " Experimental Researches in Cerebral Physiology." By 

 Victor Horsley, M.B., B.S., F.R.C.S., and Edward Albert 

 Schafer, F.R.S. Received March 6, 1884. 



I. On the Functions of the Marginal Convolution. 



(Preliminary communication.) 



The present communication is intended to be the first of a series 

 giving the results of an experimental investigation which we are at 

 present engaged upon, into the physiology of the cerebral cortex and 

 its connexion with other portions of the nervous system. We propose 

 in this way briefly to publish any general results which appear to 

 us to be well enough substantiated, as they are obtained; reserving 

 most of the details of the experiments for a more complete memoir 

 in which the various facts which may have been accumulated can be 

 collated, and compared with the results obtained by other experi- 

 menters. 



In the present research we have closely followed the methods 

 employed by Ferrier. The animals used have been monkeys, most, if 

 not all, some species of Macacque. In some the portion of the brain 

 under investigation has been stimulated by the interrupted (induced) 

 current, and the resulting movements recorded ; in others (two in 

 number) the cortex has been removed over the region in question, the 

 removal being effected by the aid of the galvanic cautery and under 

 antiseptic precautions, and the resulting pareses of voluntary move- 

 ment observed. It was found disadvantageous to attempt both these 

 observations upon the same individual, partly on account of the 

 relative prolongation of the operation and the consequent danger of 

 losing the animal from the resulting shock, partly because the carbolic 

 spray which is used when it is intended to preserve the animal, 

 appears temporarily to depress the functions of the portions of the 

 cortex which are exposed to its influence, and either no reaction is 

 obtained on stimulating them or a stimulus must be employed so 



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