opinions of the most celebrated physiologists on the circulation of the blood; and the author endeavours to overturn many of the doctrines of his predecessors. He faithfully extracts their statements, offers his comments thereon, details his inferences from similar experiments performed by himself, and very often arrives at opposite conclusions. As the greater part of this production consists in extracts from most of the modern works on physiology, we need not insert quotations; and, therefore, we shall content ourselves with the citation of most of the author's original opinions.

In a well written preface, Dr. Hall lays down admirable rules for the guidance of physiologists in experimenting on animals; and among other curious facts we find the following:

"The fact of the removal of the entire brain and spinal marrow, in the frog, without the immediate extinction of life, conjoined with the similar operation upon the chick in the egg, on the third day of incubation, without interfering either with its life or development, sufficiently establishes the independence of the circulation of the brain and spinal marrow, in a degree far beyond what is deducible from the experiments of Whytt or Spallanzani; of Dr. Philip or M. Flourens.

"But the latter fact, together with that of fœtuses born perfectly grown without either brain or spinal marrow, seems to show that the functions of nutrition and of secretion are equally independent of the brain and spinal marrow."

Dr. Hall argues powerfully that the true capillaries are dissimilar to minute arteries and veins. They do not become smaller by subdivision, nor larger by conjunction; but they are characterized by continual and successive union and division or anastomoses, whilst they retain a nearly uniform diameter." Our author thinks it erroneous to speak of capillary arteries, or capillary veins. The capillaries are a distinct set of vessels. We are rather surprised at the following declaration, that there is not in any published work, any accurate account of the minute and capillary vessels and circulation; or any ac

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ccount at all of the minute and capillary circulation in the lungs We cannot assent to the first part of this proposition, but we are ready to admit that the author's description of the capillaries in the lungs is, perhaps, one of the best hitherto offered. thinks the circle performed by the blood may be divided into four arcs of these, the heart is the first, the arteries the second, the capillaries the third, and veins the fourth. cites the remarks of Galen on the valvular structure of the heart; and then quotes the whole of the illustrious Harvey's description of the circulation. We have next the opinions of Haller and Spallanzani; but not a word about those of Servetus. Had Dr. Hall perused Dr. Sigmond's translation of Servetus's work, we are satisfied he would not have passed over the strong claims of that unfortunate individual to a correct view of the circulation. The opinions of John Hunter, and Dr. Barry, come next in order, and these are succeeded by an inquiry "of the extent of the

influence of the heart on the circula. tion." To this is added evidence of the muscularity of the arteries. Our author denies the power of irritability in the true capillaries, and of course is opposed to Dr. Philip.

He next examines "the influence of the acts of inspiration and expiration, upon the venous circulation," and in common with Laennec, does ample justice to Dr. Barry's discovery. He examines Dr. Philip's argument on the other side; and concludes, "but I confess, I think it still remains to be determined, where the influence of inspiration and of the atmospheric pressure begins; or in other words, how far it extends from the thorax itself."

The succeeding chapter is on the "influence of the brain and spinal marrow upon the circulation,' in which we find an account of the experiments of Spallanzani, Fontana, Whytt, Legallois, Philip, Clift, Flourens, Brachet, &c.

The experiments instituted by Whytt, now almost forgotten, are appropriately introduced, as they go to prove, that the contraction of the heart, after its removal from the body, is not so recent a discovery as many writers seem to imagine. In one case the contraction of the heart continued, at the expiration of six hours after the decollation, and destruction of the spinal marrow of a frog. Various experiments of this kind, seem to prove that, from the moment of the abstraction of the brain and spinal marrow, the irritability of the heart begins to fail. The circulation is first enfeebled, then lost, in the most distant parts of the system, then in parts less and less remote.

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Dr. Hall has repeated many of the experiments of Legallois, Philip, and Flourens and often dissents from the conclusions of these distinguished physiologists.

The limits by which we are necessarily circumscribed, oblige us to desist from further analysis, and we must content ourselves with introducing the author's recapitulation of the prominent points of this able essay. We congratulate Dr. Hall on the ability and zeal with which he has prosecuted his inquiries; and we are satisfied, that this work will greatly add to his well earned reputation. It proves him to be an able physiologist, and affords additional evidence in attestation of the accuracy of most of his original views, as a voluminous writer on this practice of medicine. The following, is Dr. Hall's recapitulation :

"The points to which the attention of the scientific physician is particularly called in the preceding essay, are:

"1. The distinction between the ultimate minute arteries, the true capillaries, and the first roots and minute trunks of the veins ;

"2. The successive divisions of the minute arteries, the continual conjunctions and redivisions of the capillaries, and the successive 'conjunctions and occasional anastomoses of the veins ;

3. The characteristic rapid flow of the

blood along the arteries, and its retarded flow along the capillaries and veins ;

"4. The singular differences in the form and distribution of these vessels in the systemic and pulmonary systems; especially,

"5. The more abrupt divisions of the arteries, the more crowded number of the capillaries, and the abrupt formation of the veins, in the latter;

"6. The extensive power of the heart in the circulation, the irritability of the arteries, the want of evidence of irritability in the true capillaries, and the effect of the respiratory and other muscular motions upon the course of the blood along the veins;

"7. The doubt whether the true capillaries be real vessels or mere canals;

"8. The temporary independence of the action of the heart and of the minute and capillary circulation, of the brain and the medulla oblongata and spinalis ;

"9. The power of the heart to continue the circulation in the minute and capillary vessels, after its entire removal from the body, in opposition to the opinion of Legallois;

"10. The independence of the circulation of respiration and of that part of the medulla on which respiration depends, in opposition to the opinion of M. Flourens ;

"11. The independence of the capillary circulation of a part, upon that part of the spinal marrow from which it derives its nerves, in opposition to the opinion of Legallois and the original opinion of M. Flourens;

"12. The extraordinary difference of removing the brain and medullæ, at once, and in successive portions at distinct intervals;

"13. The erroneous mode of explanation of this fact, given by Legallois; another suggested;

"14. The temporary independence of the circulation in the minute and capillary vessels, of the entire nervous masses, brain, medullæ, and ganglia;

"15. The effect of opium and alcohol upon the batrachia;

"16. The effect of alcohol applied to the brain and spinal marrow, upon the action of the heart and the circulation;

"17. The effect of crushing the brain and spinal marrow; compared with

"18. The effect of crushing other organs

or parts, upon the circulation;

"19. The general sympathy of these different organs proved by these experiments; and

"20. The want of any physiological deduction as to the natural functions of the parts themselves individually;

"21. The effects of irritants applied to the web, upon the vessels which pass between its membranes ;

"22. The impossibility of forming any deduction from this experiment, upon the

nature and function of the true capillaries;

"23. The singular phenomenon of a caudal heart or ventricle in the eel:

"24 The test of muscular structure afforded by water of temperatures moderately higher than that of the blood."

"The history of opinion on the subjects of this essay, is as follows:

"1. There is no accurate account of the anatomy of the minute and capillary vessels; the sketch of the pulmonary vessels given by Malpeghi, is, however, a literary curiosity, and highly interesting, considering its early date :

"2. The circulation of the blood was first amply proved from anatomy and experiment by Harvey;

"3. Harvey, Haller, and Spallanzani, alike erred in denying a muscular power to the arteries;

"4. Bichat doubly erred, 1. by denying the muscular power to the arteries, and 2. by ascribing a power to the capillaries of which there is hitherto no proof;

"5. Hunter seems first to have had clear views of the muscular power of the arteries;

"6. The proof of the irritability of the arteries was still deficient, until the discovery of an artery which actually pulsates, independently of the heart, in some of the batrachia;

"7. The influence of atmospheric pressure in aiding the circulation in the veins, was clearly suggested by Huxham, but actually proved by experiment, by Dr. Barry;

"8. The opinion of Haller, in regard to the irritability of the muscular fibre, is still, under certain limitations, the true one;

"9. The voluntary and involuntary muscles alike retain their irritability for a time, after their communication with the nervous system is cut off; both gradually lose it;

"10. The experiment of removing the brain and spinal marrow, and of watching the effect on the heart and capillary circulation, belongs to a former day, and especially to Whytt and Spallanzani ;

"11. The repetitions of this experiment by Legallois, Dr. Philip, M. Flourens, and M. Brachet are, in my opinion, less satisfactory than the original experiments of Whytt and Spallanzani, having occupied less time, and consequently afforded less scope for observation;

"12. Nothing appears to have been added to the original experiments, except the important fact of the difference between removing the brain and spinal marrow at once, and by portions at distant intervals, a fact discovered by Legallois;

"13. On the other hand, some of the opinions of the more modern experimenters

VOL. I.

appear to me to be unfounded; for example

"14. (1.) The opinion of Legallois, that to destroy a portion of the spinal marrow annihilates the circulation in the parts which derive their nerves from it; and

"15. (2.) That of M. Flourens, that the circulation depends upon that part of the medulla on which respiration depends,"

The author announces "an analysis and comparison of the works of Legallois, Philip, Bell, Flourens, &c. on the nervous system; and is likewise engaged in a series of experiments, on the function of respiration." We wish him every success in his illustrations of this important function in the animal economy.

Westminster Medical Society.

February 25th, 1832.

MR. CHINNOCK in the Chair.

THE minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed,

M. Halma Grand was elected an honorary member, and Messrs. Griffiths, Asdart, Leese, jun. and Hodges, ordinary members of the society.

Dr. Fergusson then adverted to the conduct of Dr. Wilson Philip, in still advertising his pamphlet on cholera as "drawn up at the request of the Westminster Medical Society," and thought that some measures should be taken to prevent the society's name being made use of without authority.

The President called him to order, and observed that as the subject had been considered and disposed of, it would be necessary for all future remarks to be addressed to the committee.

Dr. Gilckrest then stated that it was said in a respectable journal, that he had passed an eulogium on the Central Board of Health, which he denied having done. He then said that he had observed that

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printed papers, on the progress of cholera, had been distributed to the members, and he was desirous of knowing whether this was usualwhether it was proper?

Dr. Stewart then stated that he was desirous of setting himself right with the profession, in regard to a petition concerning the cholera which he had signed. It had gone forth to the world, through the medium of the public press, that this petition alluded to the question of contagion, whereas it merely asked for a new inquiry on the nature of the cholera said to be at present in London. The President then said that he hoped the members would condense their observations as much as possible; and that each should only rise once, so as to give all an opportunity of expressing their sentiments; and remarked that on a late occasion there had been any thing but the dignified conduct they ought to have exhibited. According to the laws of the society, the first half-hour was allotted to the introduction of interesting cases, which any gentleman might deem proper to bring before the society; after which he should call upon Dr. Epps to open the discussion.

Mr. Hooper said that as the first half-hour was allotted for interesting cases, he would lay before the society some cases of cholera, which had fallen under his observation within the last two or three days; more especially as it had been said that there were no new cases in the Borough. There had been three new cases between Sunday and Tuesday. He remarked that, under proper treatment, patients would be apparently relieved, and yet sink as rapidly as they had rallied. He should beg

leave to correct Dr. James Johnson for a mistake which he had fallen into with regard to one of these cases. Dr. J. had been informed by the nurse that the patient had made water, but the fact was, that the liquid passed came from the bowels.

Dr. J. Johnson inquired how he as certained that?

Mr. Hooper answered, by the smell, and likewise from the assertion of the woman herself. He then proceeded to detail the post mortem appearances, and added that his chief motive in rising was to state that there had been some new cases in the Borough, and that there were modified cases continually occurring.

The President then called upon Dr. Epps to open the discussion.

Dr. Epps said that he believed the question to be considered that evening was, whether the symptoms of the prevailing epidemic were similar to those of the Asiatic cholera; and whether the cholera in London was a new disease or not? (Hear, hear). As it was said that the symptoms were similar to those of the disease in India, he had had a paper printed, and sent round among the members to save time. The first column contained the Indian symptoms, extracted from a paper written by Dr. Foote, of the 17th Regt.; the next is the remarkable case of John James; the next three occurred this present month; while the last three took place at Rotherhithe, during the month of August.

The Doctor said that if we ar justified in concluding from similarity of symptoms, identity of disease, then this is the Indian cholera; but he thought that we are not justified in inferring any such thing; and the Central Board of Health had acknowledged that similarity of symptoms is no proof of the existence of cholera, in the case of Florence Sullivan, aud it should seem that the post mortem appearances are alone to be depended