An enquiry into the probability and rationality of Mr. Hunter's theory of life, being the subject of two anatomical lectures delivered before the Royal College of Surgeons, of London / by John Abernethy.

  • Abernethy, John, 1764-1831.
Date:
1814
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An enquiry into the probability and rationality of Mr. Hunter's theory of life, being the subject of two anatomical lectures delivered before the Royal College of Surgeons, of London / by John Abernethy. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    a distinct class, and subservient alone to what he calls the organic life. The con- tractile power of muscles is also capable of remaining in vehement action for a great length of time, as we see in some cases of cramps, and still more in some cases of tonic tetanus, Yet though the irritable power is not incapable of continued exertion, it seems evidently to be in general susceptible of fatigue, and inclines to be at rest. If we stimulate the muscles of a limb of a frog severed from the body, by voltaic electricity, the muscular actions are at first vivid and forcible, but they grow fainter and feebler on repeated excitement. Yet if we wait a little till they seem to regain their powfer, they become vivid and forcible as at first from the same de- gree of excitement. Such actions may be