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XX. Some observations on the effects of dividing the nerves of 
the lungs , and subjecting the latter to the influence of voltaic 
electricity. By A. P. W. Philip, M. D. F R. S. L. and E. 
Read May 10, 1827. 
T[ he Royal Society did me the honour in 1822 to publish 
the results of some experiments, from which it appeared 
that the secreted fluids of animals are so deranged by dividing 
the nerves of the secreting organs, and separating the divided 
ends, that they are no longer capable of their functions ; and 
that after these functions are thus destroyed, they may be re- 
stored by transmitting voltaic electricity through the secreting 
organs by the portions of the divided nerves attached to them. 
In the statement of these results, the attention was chiefly 
directed to the function of the stomach. In the present com- 
munication I shall make a few additional observations respect- 
ing the lungs. 
However much the secreting surface of the stomach may 
be deranged by the means just mentioned, its appearance, 
owing we have reason to believe to the extreme minuteness 
of its structure, is the same as when the nerves have been 
left undisturbed, or nearly so, and with the exception of 
occasional efforts to vomit, no symptom shows itself after the 
division of the nerves indicating the derangement of function 
which has taken place. Both in the symptoms and appear- 
ances after death, the derangement occasioned in the lungs 
by their division is much more remarkable. 
Soon after the operation the animal begins to breathe with 
difficulty, and this symptom gradually increases, and is at 
mdcccxxvii. Q q 
