On the reflex function of the medulla oblongata and medulla spinalis / [Marshall Hall].

  • Hall, Marshall, 1790-1857
Date:
1833
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the reflex function of the medulla oblongata and medulla spinalis / [Marshall Hall]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    13/74 (page 635)
    XXVI. On the Reflex Function of the Medulla Oblongata and Medulla Spi- nalis. By Marshall Hall, M.D., F.R.S. L. 8^ E., 8^c. 8^c. Received June 11,—Read June 20, 1833. 1. Introduction. The his/her departments of every science are doubtless its general principles and its laws. These have a claim to our consideration beyond that of insulated facts or mere details. Impressed with this truth, I have hitherto devoted my attention chiefly to the laws and principles of physiology. In a former memoir*, I gave the outline of one of the most general of the laws of this science,—that of the inverse ratio of the respiration and of the irritability. In the present memoir, I propose to give an account of a principle of action in the animal economy, which has not hitherto, I think, been distinguished with sufficient precision from the other vital and animal functions. The principle to which I have adverted is connected, in a peculiar manner, with the medulla oblongata and the medulla spinalis. There is still much dis- crepancy of opinion amongst physiologists, in regard to the properties and functions of these parts of the nervous systeim Legallois concluded, from his interesting series of experiments, that the spinal marrow, as a whole, and in distinct portions, is the exclusive source of sensation and voluntary motion. He observes-f-, “ La vie du tronc depend de la moelle 4pini^re, et celle de chaque partie depend specialement de la portion de cette moelle dont elle rc9oit ses nerfs. De plus, il est facile de demontrer que cette prerogative de la moelle epiniere, d’etre la source du sentiment et de tons les mouvemens volontaires du tronc, lui appartient exclusivement a tout autre organe.” The Reporters of the Institute adopt the conclusions of Legallois : “ M. Legal- lois,” they observe:};, “ a demontre que la section de la moelle epiniere sur les * Philosophical Transactions for 1832. t CEuvres de Legallois, Paris 1824, tome i. p. 62. J Ibid. p. 251. MDCCCXXXIII. 4 N