concerning the Reproduction of Nerves. 133 
the substance which unites the extremities of divided nerves 
is of the same nature as the original nerve. 
Dr. Arnemann, of Gottingen, who has written ex pro- 
fesso on the reproduction of nerves, denies positively, from 
anatomical examination, that the new formed substance is of 
the nature of nerve ; and on being shown the result of some 
of my experiments, he declared at the first glance of the eye, 
" that the medium of union did not possess the characters of 
“ nerve and further, “ that the true nervous substance is 
“ never reproduced/' But he had already prejudged the mat- 
ter. On the other hand, I am persuaded that if the same pre- 
parations had been shown to the Abbe Fontana, he would 
have seen in the new formed substance a continuation of the 
winding parallel fibres, agreeable to the result of his own ex- 
periments. 
Such a contrariety of opinions determined me to decline an 
appeal so undecisive, and to submit my inquiries to a test less 
doubtful and fallacious : and as such a test was not to be found 
within the pale of anatomy, I resolved to try whether the re- 
sources of physiology could not furnish me with what I wished. 
From physiology we learn, that if the action of a nerve be 
suspended by a division of it, and if that action be recovered in 
consequence of an union of its divided extremities, such medium of 
union must possess the characters and properties of nerve. I had 
therefore only to determine, what nerves appeared the most 
favourable for the experiment, and pursue the position just 
stated to its ultimate consequence. I know not whether my 
choice was judicious, but I determined on the eighth pair. 
The first step I took in this inquiry, was to ascertain what 
effects will arise from the division of both of these nerves, together 
mdccxcv, C c 
