[ I7 1 1 
On the contrary, electricity aCts when 
the exciter ceafes to aCt, provided the fluid 
takes the courfe of the nerves, which fhould 
feera to prove, that it excites the mufcular 
irritability itfelf; and the nature of the mo¬ 
tions induced by it being, in fome meafure, 
different from the natural motions, might 
be confidered as a confirmation of it. 
Neverthelefs, let us fuppofe (for the 
fake of argument) that electricity under 
every circumftance only ferves to ftimulate 
the nerves. The nerves certainly do not 
propagate this ftimulus by tremblings and 
ofcillations, for they are very foft, and 
exceedingly far from any kind of tenfion. 
There is therefore a fluid which dis¬ 
charges this office. 
It is of fome confequence to refleCt, that 
this fluid, which we call animal electri¬ 
city, does not operate, notwithstanding 
the ftimulus exerted upon the nerves, \yfien 
it cannot follow the direction of the nerves 
themfelves. 
Jxt 
