The experimental method in medical science : second course of the Cartwright Lectures of the Alumni Association, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York delivered January 24, January 31, and February 7, 1882 / by John C. Dalton.

  • Dalton, John Call, 1825-1889.
Date:
1882
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The experimental method in medical science : second course of the Cartwright Lectures of the Alumni Association, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York delivered January 24, January 31, and February 7, 1882 / by John C. Dalton. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    46/124 (page 36)
    the convoluted surface of the brain are plainly subservient to muscular action, it is natural to infer that the remaining unexcitable portions may have a similar connection with sensibility; and it is asserted by some, with more or less confidence, that the senses of touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing are separately located in as many different regions of the cerebral cortex. The experimental evidence of these localizations is far from being altogether satis- factory ; but in one instance, at least, it is very striking, and indicates beyond doubt a close relation of visual sensi- bility with the “ angular convolution ” on the posterior and lateral part of the cerebral hemisphere. If this convolu- tion be extirpated, the operation is followed by blindness of the opposite eye, without any other perceptible disturb- ance of either motion or sensibility. As other parts of the brain-surface, of equal or greater extent, may be re- moved without causing impairment of vision, it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that this region has a special con- nection with the sense of sight. The exact nature of the connection will doubtless be better understood from further investigation. The complete history of physiological science for the last hundred years, in regard to the nervous system, can hardly be given in the space of a single lecture. But its most important advances are so connected with each other, that they have a relation very much like that of cause and effect. When a new subject of inquiry is first opened, the progress is for some time a slow one. There are diffi- culties in the way, which must be overcome by repeated experiments, by gradual improvement in the apparatus, and by better methods of procedure. The causes of the phenomena are imperfectly understood, and their relation with other observed facts is not immediately apparent.