Valentin on the functions of the nerves of the orbit / translated from the Latin by John F. France.

  • Gabriel Valentin
Date:
[1846]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Valentin on the functions of the nerves of the orbit / translated from the Latin by John F. France. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    TRANSLATOR’S PREFACE. The opinions of Valentin, novel as they are in many respects—sonovel,that from a less distinguished physiologist we should probably reject them at once as chimerical—must arrest attention, and certainly challenge careful exami¬ nation. The presumed facts, upon which they rest, are, simultaneously with the peculiar theories deduced, laid before us in the following treatise ; and it is but justice to its author to give, from his preface, the following extract, in testimony of the caution with which his observations have been recorded. “In the ensuing work,” he says, “ I have in no instance overlooked the necessity of specially mentioning w^hat I have ascertained from one or a few experiments only, or have wit¬ nessed but once; on the other hand, whatever is announced in positive language, I have proved so frequently. as to be incapable of doubting its accuracy and truth.” Perhaps the most interesting subject discussed (that, at least, which first led me to peruse, and determined me to translate, so much of the original work, as relates to the nerves of the orbit), is that of the nervous endow¬ ment of the iris. This, as well as other debateable questions, I have, on the present occasion, studiously re¬ frained from prejudicing by comment of my own, or by collating the ob¬ servations of others. Hence, the reader may, with less bias, allow their due weight to the arguments and experi¬ ments of the author; and hence, too, with the highest estimation of Valentin’s labours, I must disclaim credit, and decline responsibility, except for the faithfulness, with which the translation has been executed. Cadogau Place, Feb. 1846.