The physiology of mind : an interpretation based on biological morphological, physical and chemical considerations / by Francis X. Dercum.

  • Francis Xavier Dercum
Date:
1925
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The physiology of mind : an interpretation based on biological morphological, physical and chemical considerations / by Francis X. Dercum. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    45/296 (page 41)
    Ill IMPACTS WHICH LIVING PROTOPLASM IS CAPABLE OF RECEIVING Having laid a foundation for the conception of the mechanism by means of which stimuli are received and transmitted, let us now turn our attention briefly to the stimuli which the or¬ ganism is capable of receiving. Thus far we have considered merely the most primitive of all stimuli, namely, contact with foreign bodies. Such contact constitutes an impact grossly mechanical or physical in character. Evidently, living protoplasm is, in addition, exposed to actions that are chemical, to the movements and coarse vibrations of the medium in which it is immersed, as well as to the various forces that pervade the physical world. Protoplasm is, of course, destroyed by any chemical action that radically interferes with its structure. Living protoplasm, as pointed out, is an exceedingly complex colloid; it is relatively unstable and is constantly undergoing change. It is being constantly built up and yet is being constantly oxidized and reduced. Such