New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-12-19

malls, which, begun in the Mauritius, his native
place, and penistenty carried on since in PArls 10
the United States and in Great Britain, nave
brought to light 90 many truths a. valuable 70 tho
medical practitioner as they are curious TO the
speculative naturalist on the obscure points OF
ply siology and pathology. Before all else an exper'
imentalist, be wastes little strength in combating
old theories or defending new ones. His end Ii
truth; his fret object, material fact; his means,
direct obser vstion. His opinions follow bis dis
sectiDg knife.
The larger part of NJ. Sequard's experiments
have been made with reference to the nervous sys-
tenn. 10 better knowledge Of whose anatomy and
physiology he has accordingly brought new and
large contributions. Thus, his discoveries in this
direction lead him TO conclude that the nature OF
the relations between the nervous system and the
organic functions has been hitherto mlsapPre-
hended. For he finds that the latter, as operating
in secretion and nutrition, go on after the nervous
IL Huence has ceased to act. For example, atropny,
following the withdrawal Of nervous force In
limb, may be prevented, or having ensued, may Dc
cured, by application of galvanic stimulus to the
muscles In animals life has thus been preserved for
months, although the spinal cord was separated
below the fifth cervical vertebra. Not only have
they lived for months in this abspinal condition,
but they "lived in the enjoyment OF all their fac
uties that is, secretion, nutrition, and general
growth. went on as before. Artifcially produced
muscular contractions will also perform, to great
degree the nutritious Office of the nervous influence
in changing arterial to venous blood in paralyzed
part.
Other experiments show that the reflex function
of the spinal cord exerts greater force than that
of the utmost voluntary efforts; that this power is
vital attribute of the spinal and dependent on its
nutrition. Thus pigeon, after the cord is sepa-
rated from the BRAIN can be made, under certain
conditions, to raise a weight of fifty pounds with
its feet; but if nutrition be withdrawn-that is, If
the carotid artery be dvided-the power is lost;
inject new supply of blood into the open carotid,
and the power is restored. 1t would be impossible
in these columns to 20 on with an ineligible sum-
mary, however brief, of the numerous other dis
coveries and conclusions to which n. Sequard
has arrived in this varied field Of inquiry; nor
can we make any detailed mention of those re-
latnp to the Blood, to Animal Heat, and to the
Muscles. We must refer curious readers to &" Re-
sport on some experiments Of Brown.Sequard,"
drawn up by the Committee appointed for that pur-
pose BY the SoeiS de Bioiogie of Paris, and to va
rious memoirs-some from bis own hand-published
within the past few years in this country and in
Europe. Or as the living word is more Of
fective instrument of instruction than the dead
letter, let them attend bis lectures, should he
again repeat them here Although intended for, and
adapted 10, an audience of medical men, they are
not too technical for the comprehension nor too
dull for the entertainment of layman. The speak
er's language is clear and direct; what it lacks Of
rhetorical inish is made up by expressive gesture
and the fash Of a very keen eye. Our duty in the
premises is performed in calling attention to the
almost unknown and unnoticed presence in the
country of one Of the keenest and boldest senuses
of modern experimental science.