An experimental investigation into the functions of the eighth pair of nerves, or the glosso-pharyngeal, pneumogastric and spinal accessory / by John Reid.

  • John Reid
Date:
[1839]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An experimental investigation into the functions of the eighth pair of nerves, or the glosso-pharyngeal, pneumogastric and spinal accessory / by John Reid. 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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    vented in consequence of tlie nervous influence having been inter- rupted by the division of the nerves of tlie eightli pair.'' * As it appeared improbable that section of the vogi should arrest the secretion of the mucus of the stomach and intestines, when it fails to suspend the secretion of the gastric juice, we were anxious to satisfy ourselves on this point. With this view we performed five comparative experiments, selecting two dogs as nearly as possible of equal size for each experiment. In four of these experiments tlie white oxide of arsenic was introduced into a wound in the thigh, in the quantity employed by Sir B. Brodie, and in the fifth It was introduced into the stomach. In each experiment the nerves were left untouched in one of the animals, while in the other both Avere divided and a portion removed, before the arsenic was introduced into the system. Ewp. XXXVIII.—Two powerful and large dogs. The vagi and one of the recurrents were divided in one of the animals, and ton grains of white oxide of arsenic moistened with water were introduced into a loiiQf incision in the thicdi, and the wound was then stitched up. The same quantity of arsenic was at the same time introduced into the thigh of the other dog, the vagi being left entire. The dog in which the vagi had been divided ap- peared to be little affected three hours after the inoculation of the poison. Six hours after, it had vomiting of frothy mucus, and was very dull. Eleven hours after, it was found lying extended in a state of stupor, with frequent motions of the limbs. It w^as found dead next morning. The dog in which the vagi w^ere left entire was very slightly affected after six hours. After eleven hours it was very dull, but was observant of surrounding objects. Twenty-three hours after, it was very feeble and languid,but still lay with the head erect. Other ten grains of arsenic were introduced into an incision made into the op])osite thigh twenty-eight hours after the first inoculation of the arsenic. It Avas still alive, but very feeble and stupid. It Avas not seen for twelve hours after this time, Avhen it Avas found dead and cold. Sectiones. Dog in ivhich the vagi had been cut.—A quan- tity of greenish fluid flowed from the mouth, before avc proceeded to open the chest. The stomach and a considerable portion of the small intestines Avcre removed after being enclosed in ligatures, and then slit open. Stomach.—The stomach contained a con- siderable quantity of greenish fluid, similar to tliat Avhich floAved from the mouth. The organ Avas somcAvhat distended, presented fcAv n/gce on its inner surface, Avhich Avas slightly tinged green. A thin layer of mucus could be Aviped off in several j)arts. In- iestines.-^A thick layer of brownish mucus covered the M'holc * Oper. fit. j<. 105.
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