| RefNo | PP/4/37/1 |
| Previous numbers | PP/36/37 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Manuscript, 'Experimental researches in cerebral physiology' by Victor [Alexander Haden] Horsley and Edward Albert Sharpey-Schafer |
| Date | 1884 |
| Description | Horsley and Sharpey-Schafer write: 'The present communication is intended to be the first of a series giving the results of an experimental investigation which we are at present engaged upon, into the physiology of the cerebral cortex and its connexion with other portions of the nervous system. We propose in this way briefly to publish any general results which appear to us to be well enough substantiated, as they are obtained; reserving most of the details of the experiments for a more complete memoir in which the various facts which may have been accumulated can be collated, and compared with the results obtained by other experimenters. In the present research we have closely followed the methods employed by Ferrier. The animals used have been monkeys, most, if not all, some species of Macacque. In some the portion of the brain under investigation has been stimulated by the interrupted (induced) current, and the resulting movements recorded; in others (two in number) the cortex has been removed over the region in question, the removal being effected by the aid of the galvanic cautery and under antiseptic precautions, and the resulting pareses of voluntary movement observed. It was found disadvantageous to attempt both these observations upon the same individual, partly on account of the relative prolongation of the operation and the consequent danger of losing the animal from the resulting shock, partly because the carbolic spray which is used when it is intended to preserve the animal, appears temporarily to depress the functions of the portions of the cortex which are exposed to its influence, and either no reaction is obtained on stimulating them or a stimulus must be employed so strong as to involve the risk of its spreading to neighbouring parts. The anæsthetic used has generally been ether, sometimes mixed with chloroform; in one case in which morphia had been employed the results of stimulation were much interfered with by the drug. The induction coil used is of the du Bois-Reymond pattern, with the Neef interrupter; and the Helmholtz side-wire is always introduced for the purpose of equalising the effects of the make and break shocks. The electrode wires are carefully guarded except at their points, which project slightly on one side, and the electrodes are so constructed as to pass between the falx and the mesial surface of the brain with as little disturbance as possible.'
Annotations in pencil and ink. Includes a diagram of a cross-section of the brain.
Subject: Neuroscience / Physiology
Received 6 March 1884. Read 20 March 1884.
A version of this paper was published in volume 36 of the Proceedings of the Royal Society as 'Experimental researches in cerebral physiology'. |
| Extent | 13p |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink and graphite pencil on paper |
| Digital images | View item on Science in the Making |
| AccessStatus | Open |
| RelatedMaterial | DOI: 10.1098/rspl.1883.0126 |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA6838 | Horsley; Sir; Victor Alexander Haden (1857 - 1916) | 1857 - 1916 |
| NA8017 | Sharpey-Schafer; Sir; Edward Albert (1850 - 1935) | 1850 - 1935 |