An experimental inquiry into the action of alcohol on the nervous system / by W. Marcet.

  • Marcet, W. (William), 1828-1900.
Date:
1860
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An experimental inquiry into the action of alcohol on the nervous system / by W. Marcet. 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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    Conclusion.—These experiments show : 1st. That when the legs of a frog are immersed in alcohol, as far up as the commissure of the thighs, the animal ceases breathing and loses its sensibility in a period varying from ten to thirteen minutes.1 2d. That the limbs in contact with the alcohol become insensible and powerless sooner than the other parts of the animal. 8d. That frequently a shock occurs shortly after the immersion, consisting of the cessation of the power of motion, although respiration continues, and the eyelids usually remain sensible, or move on irritating the eyeball. 4th. That the shock, which occurs shortly after the immersion, may continue until the animal dies, there being little or no return of spontaneous or excitable muscular action. 5th. That the shock may disappear shortly after its occur- rence, and return again afterwards. Action of Alcohol on a Dog.—Although the effects of alcohol on dogs have been closely investigated by Brodie, Percy, and others, I beg to report the following experiment, which will be found interesting mainly in its connection with others to be subsequently related. Experiment IY.—The dog had been fed at about 10 a.m.; the experiment was undertaken the same day at 1*31 p.m. Previous to any alcohol being injected into the animal’s stomach : Bespiration . . .20 per minute. Pulsations of heart . . 120 „ One ounce of alcohol, diluted with as much water, was now injected into the dog’s stomach by means of a syringe and canula. Two minutes after the injection was completed, the animal began tottering. 1 In another similar experiment which will be subsequently reported, the functions of sensation and respiration were arrested after an immersion of nine minutes.