in which Death is produced by vegetable Poisons. 181 
Exp. 4. I injected into the stomach of a rabbit two ounces 
of proof spirits. The injection was scarcely completed, when 
the animal became perfectly insensible. Precisely the same 
symptoms took place as in the last experiment, and at the 
end of twenty-seven minutes, from the time of the injection, 
the rabbit was apparently dead ; but on examining the thorax 
the heart was found still acting, as in the last experiment. 
It has been shewn by M. Bichat, and the observation has 
been confirmed by some experiments, which I have lately had 
the honour of communicating to this learned Society, that the 
brain is not directly necessary to the action of the heart, and 
that, when the functions of the brain are destroyed, the heart 
continues to contract for some time afterwards, and then ceases 
only in consequence of the suspension of respiration, which is 
under the influence of the brain. 
It would appear, from the experiments, which I have just 
detailed, that the symptoms produced by a large quantity of 
spirits taken into the stomach, arise entirely from disturbance 
of the functions of the brain. The complete insensibility to 
external impressions ; the dilatation of the pupils of the eyes ; 
and the loss of motion, indicate that the functions of this organ 
are suspended ; respiration, which is under its influence, is ill 
performed, and at last altogether ceases ; while the heart, to 
the action of which the brain is not directly necessary, con- 
tinues to contract, circulating dark coloured blood for some 
time afterwards. 
There is a striking analogy between the symptoms arising 
from spirits taken internally, and those produced by injuries 
of the brain. 
Concussion of the brain, which may be considered as die 
mdcccxi. A a 
