Epilepsy and other convulsive diseases : a study in neuro-dynamics and pathogenesis / by F.W. Langdon.

  • Langdon, Frank Warren, 1852-1933.
Date:
[1896]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Epilepsy and other convulsive diseases : a study in neuro-dynamics and pathogenesis / by F.W. Langdon. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by King’s College London. The original may be consulted at King’s College London.

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    portant conception that the elaboration of nerve force takes place in the processes themselves and is not the exclusive function of the cell-body as was formerly thought. We * will revert to this part of the subject later. Figure 2 also illustrates the hypothetical bifurcation of the tubules, which has not yet been observed or even looked for so far as the writer is aware. It is quite pos- sible, however,, that the tubular appearance noted by Schafer is really due to coagulation of an inter-fibrillary albuminous nutritive fluid. In this case the problem is much simplified, and we have only to consider the constituents of the ultimate fibrillas as rows of molecules in constant vibration in all directions, with the rate and intensity of vibration vary- ing according to the intensity of stimuli which influence them ; and tending in the direction of least resistance (established by habit). This would allow for a constant moderate “ overflow ” of “ energy currents ’’ at the col- laterals, while the main channel of outflow, the axis- cylinder process, would be on account of its direction as well as “ habit” the “line of least resistance.” Further- more, structural provision must exist both in the central and peripheral arborizations of the neuron processes, whereby protoplasm may come in contact with proto- plasm to complete the physiological chain. This would imply either fenestra in the ultimate tubules toward their terminations,or a total disappearance of the tubular walls. The former view would allow of the projection of the contact granules (gemmules) when in functional activity, and then withdrawal (by amoeboid contraction) when at rest. This is in harmony with the hypothesis advanced by Duval14 and Lepine10 to account for the sudden appearance and equally prompt disappearance of certain symptoms in hysterical, hypnotic, and other functional states; and also for the suspension of func- tion in large areas of the nervous system during normal sleep. PHYSIOLOGICAL DIGEST. As has been already stated, the old view that the neuron body (“ nerve cell ”) is the sole source of nerve : energy must probably be abandoned. In its place we ; have the more tenable doctrine that this cell-body is : chiefly, if not entirely, “trophic” in function; subserv- ing the nutritive requirements of the cell-processes, while ■ they in turn are busy with the higher, if not more im-*