[ 1'’-!' ] 
IV. On the Electromotive Changes connected with the Beat of the ManDnallan Heart, 
and of the Human Fleart in particular. 
By Augustus D. Waller, M.D. 
CommuiiicaAed hy Professor Burdon Sanderson, F.R.S. 
Received and Read June 21, 1888. 
Contents, 
Part I. 
PAGE 
§ 1. Introduction..169 
§ 2. Experimental modification of the electrical variation connected with the spontaneous beat . 170 
§ 3. Observations on Animals with one or both leading-off electrodes applied to the body at a 
distance from the heart.178 
Part II. 
Determination of the electrical variations of the heart on Man 
184 
Part I. 
§ 1. Introduction. 
In our investigation of the action of the excised Mammalian heart,"" Dr. Reid and 
I left undetermined 'certain points relating to its electromotive variations, more 
especially those which accompany the spontaneous beat of the excised organ.! The 
nature and direction of deflections were very variable, and indicated no regular origin 
or mode of progression of the excitatory process. In 62 observations we observed 
in 17 cases apex negativity alone, in 17 base negativity alone, in 16 apex followed by 
base negativity, in 12 base followed by apex negativity. We then remarked that the 
numerous irregularities met with in experiments upon the excised Mammalian heart 
were presumably due to irregularities and inequalities of tissue in the d 3 dng organ, 
which might have been due to differences of temperature, or to accidental injuries, 
kc. ; but we were unable to verify the supposition b}^ any experimental reproduction 
* ‘Phil. Trans.,’ B., 1887, p. 215. 
t Lnc. cir, p. 234. 
z n.G.si) 
IVlDCCCr.XXXTX. — B. 
