Elements of electro-biology or the voltaic mechanism of man : of electro-pathology, especially of the nervous system ; and of electro- therapeutics / by Alfred Smee.

  • Smee, Alfred, 1818-1877.
Date:
1849
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Elements of electro-biology or the voltaic mechanism of man : of electro-pathology, especially of the nervous system ; and of electro- therapeutics / by Alfred Smee. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    necessary for the organisation, the laboratory the compo- sition of the respective parts undergoing change, universal science demonstrates that even proud man himself is not endowed with any imponderable, ether, or any other than a physical property for the purpose of manifesting any of those phenomena which are classed under the head of vital actions. . (9). Man, however, is immortal. Man at all times, and m all regions, has beheved in his immortality. It is proba- ble that this conviction has its origin in his very organisation. Now that which gives to man his immortality can have no relation with that which is mortal. Life, mind, thought, reason, knowledge, come from organisation and cease at death. When the breath of man goeth forth, he shall turn again to his earth; and then all his thoughts perish. (10). A central parenchyma, a peripheral parenchmya, con- nected together, and each supphed with bright arterial blood, are necessary to life. It follows, therefore, that bleeding causes death—that the supply of imperfect blood, such as carbonaceous blood, is insufficient to life. Moreover, a destruc- tion of the central parenchyma, by injuring the brain, or of the peripheral, by destroying the body, instantly prevents the manifestations of the functions of animal life. Lastly, a separa- tion between the central and peripheral parts, as in the act of pithing, is attended with the same result. When action ensues, a change of matter occurs, which is proved by an increased excretion, and corresponding desire for food. This fact demonstrates that the functions of animal life are obedient to the general physical law, that no force can be generated without some corresponding equivalent change of matter. (11). Putting all these facts together, we must seek for some physical apparatus which shall agree with the requisites for the maintenance of organic life. Now a central apparatus,