The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-04-18
ABOUT NERVOUS CONCLUSIONS.

HOW They May BE Artlhc1ally PRODUCED
Interesting Experiments by Professors.
New York Mail and Express.
Profs Francis x Dercum and Andrew j.
Parker, of the University of Pennsylvania, are
pursuing Investigations in the artificial induction
of muscular commissions which have an impor-
tant bearing on the treatment of hysteria chorea,
or St VltusS dance, and kindred nervous aHec-
tions and which give promise of highly practical
results as suggesting remedies for these diseases
The experiments which have been made were
suggested by the observation of certain phenom
ena connected with the table tipping at spir-
ltuaiistic seances The production of the spasms
or commissions is simply question of the COM
plete exhaustion of particular set of muscles
Dy suoJectlng them to continuous strain Tor
longer or shorter period usually about one hour,
the result being fastened by the concentration
OF the thoughts upon some object not connected
with the experiment The controlling infu-
ence of the will is thus Withdrawn from the
action of the muscles, and involuntary move
ments are more readily induced. The usual
manner OF the experiment Is to seat the subject
length, while he endeavors to maintain posi-
ton which will bring the tips of his fingers In
contact with the surface of his table, but in no
instance resting upon it. After brief period
much more than the normal tremors in the
hands become noticeable increasing in their
amplitude with greater rapidity the more COM
pletely the thoughts are distracted These ire
mors continue with increased intensity until the
whole arm is seized with involuntary conyul-
sions and for few seconds the most violent
movements take place, the patient being unable
to control them, though never for one moment
losing any degree of consciousness. If the ,ex-
pertinent is continued the muscles Of other parts
of the body will be affected, and the subject Is
sometimes thrown violently to the ground IN a
strong, general CONFUSION, the muscular con-
traction not nfrequently being prolonged so that
strange contortions are produced.
Professors Dercum and Parker, together with
Prof Angelo Heilprin, DR.. Z. j. Nolan and
Louis Il. Levy, performed an experiment IN
Philadelphia few evenings since, which was
entirely successful as showing the possibility of
producing these convulsions in any person, even
though not of markedly nervous temperament.
Only two of the subjects held out until sum-
cient degree of muscular exhaustion had been
produced; but in these cases the loss OF control
of the muscular action complete, and in
voluntary commissions of considerable violence
resulted There was unpleasant sensation
save that OF fatigue; no loss of consciousness,
though there was progressive allegiance OF the
will, each successive tremor requiring greater
eXertion of the volitions to control it. These
commissions are explained as simply an exaggera-
tioE of the rhythmical tremor observable in all
persons who attempt to hold their hands in
fixed position. In the nervous muscular system
OF man there are two classes of antagonlStic
motor organs tending to produce motion in OPP
posite directions, and which give to the muscles
series of rhythmical contractions. These
contractions, occurring with great frequency
in the normal state of the individual,
result in what appears to be continuous &C
ton somewhat analogous to the musical note re-
sulting from series of rapid vibrations The
progressive exhaustion of the muscles subjected
to steady strain causes these contractions to
become less frequent, and consequently OF longer
duration, and the attention OF the mind being
directed in another channel disturbance in the
antagonistc groups of the mucles takes place.
The seemingly unaccountable loss of muscular
control experienced by many persons when sud-
denly confronted with danger is attributable to
the same cause The brain, which is the prin-
cipal collection of nervous ganglia in the body;
being for the moment withdrawn from its func-
ton of control, the remainder of the nervous
machine INDUCES in the eccentricities referred
to. The hysteria Of the shop girl, compelled by
is probably explained by this exhaustion Of par
ticular muscles, and remedy suggested there
by. Nervous outbursts of individuals, which by
the uncharitable are sometimes charged to will
fulness. may not infrequently be caused by
too-prolonged nervous strain.
The state produced by these experiments
doubtless bears distinct relation to many of
the phenomena presented by certain religious
sects, as the Shakers" ana 'Jerkers." 1t is
an explanation of the antics Of the supposed
victims of the Salem witches, the TarantiSm of
Italy, the epidemic chorea of Germany, the
dancing Dervshes, and numerous other allied
phenomena If offers also an easy and perfectly
satisfactory explanation of some of the 'staDle-
tipping or the Splrltuahsts. The circle IS
formed around the table, the fingers lightly
touching the surface. The continued strain on
the muscles of the arms would produce the
tremors above alluded to, and these would in
crease in force with increased exhaustion, and
the complete concentration of thought Of the de-
vout believer would hasten the process. In the
course of time the impact of the fingers, sub
jected to this constantly increasing tremor
would produce an oscillatory movement of the
table, just as little child, by repeated and reg
r11o and 20 in ip yin han hot
three strong men could not strike with a single
effort, as the steady trot of dog will cause
a severer strain on suspension bridge than the
rushing of heavy team of horses