Analyses are given of the following papers: 1st. On the Disorders of the Brain, connected with Diseased Kidneys. 4th. Observations on Poisoning, by the Vapours of Burning Charcoal and Coals. By Golding Bird, M.D., H. · 5th. Two cases of Poisoning by the Inhalation of Carburetted Hydro- 6th. Case of Imperforate Uterus. By ALEXANDER TWEEDIE. 7th. On Incision in Cases of Occlusion and Rigidity of the Uterus. ORIGINAL INTELLIGENCE. - 231 ART. I.-Thoughts on the action and influence of the Nervous System, and on the means of strengthening and improving them. By CHARLES CALDWELL, M.D. THE nervous system consists of the brain, the spinal marrow, and their appendages the nerves. The nerves are divided into two great classes; nerves of sensation; and nerves of motion. The former of these classes contains numerous subdivisions; the latter but two, nerves of voluntary, and nerves of involuntary motion. Of these two subdivisions of the motory nerves, the latter is still farther divided into nerves of perceptible and nerves of imper ceptible involuntary motion. Of perceptible involuntary motion we have manifestations in the actions of the lungs, heart, stomach, and intestines; of imperceptible, or organic motion, in the processes of secretion, nutrition, absorption, calorification, and growth. The brain which constitutes the centre of the whole nervous system, but more obviously of the nerves of sensation and voluntary motion, consists of the cerebrum and cerebellum, or the larger and the smaller brain, separated from each other by the tentorium. By the falx, another process of the same membrane which forms the tentorium, the cerebrum is divided into two similar hemispheres, each of which is subdivided into thirty-six or seven minor portions called organs, constituting the seats or instruments of an equal number of different faculties of the mind. The organs and faculties of each hemisphere differ from one another; but the corresponding organs and faculties of the two hemispheres are alike. Each hemisphere therefore is composed of the same number of organs differing in function from one another, but identical in their several functions with the corresponding organs of the opposite hemisphere. Hence is the brain, in organization and action, a double viscus, in all respects, as it more palpably is with regard to the arrangement of the external senses. The spinal marrow is made up of three portions or cords, an anterior, a posterior, and a lateral or central one. Of these the anterior cord is connected with the roots of the nerves of voluntary motion; the posterior with the roots, or rather with the terminations of some of the nerves of sensation; while the remaining cord or portion forms what Sir Charles Bell calls the nerves of respiration; but which Muller, Hall, and other physiologists denominate the excito-motory nerves. Under this immediate head I shall only add, that though the sound condition of the whole nervous system is essential to the full health and efficiency of every portion of the body; it is the derangement of the nerves of imperceptible involuntary or organic motion, that produces the most serious and fatal complaints. They are the nerves, whose action is more literally indispensable to the existence of life; while the action of the other portions of the nervous system is immediately productive of little or nothing else than modifications of life--or rather modifications of vital action. But before proceeding farther in this discussion, a few remarks of a more general and abstract character are requisite. There are three great sets or groupes of organs which constitute the basis of the being and character of man-which form I mean the most substantial and fundamental part of him, and contribute most essentially to make him what he is. These are the contents of the three great cavities of the body, and their appendages-the cranium, the thorax, and the abdomen. In plainer terms, they are the brain, spinal marrow and nerves, the lungs, heart and blood-vessels, and the chylemaking viscera consisting of the stomach and intestines, the liver, pancreas, and lacteal apparatus. These three groups of organs are intimately connnected with and dependent on each other, in a twofold way; through sympathy or consent of parts; and through function. On the former ground, the condition of either group, whether morbid or healthy, produces a like condition in one or both of the others; and, on the latter, a derangement or failure of function in one, occasions in the others a corresponding derangement. This connexion and dependence are only stated as facts, no effort being made or intended at present to adduce their causes. Although these sets of organs are each equally essential to human existence, and equally dependent on one another for soundness and efficiency, they hold different ranks, as respects their functions. The abdominal organs, being fitted only for digestion and chylification, are of the lowest order, and belong in some shape to the lowliest beings of the animal and vegetable kingdoms. The organs of the thorax, being framed for the maturation and circulation of the blood, are of a higher rank, and belong to a higher description of animals. But the cerebral, spinal, and nervous organs, ranking in an order still superior, belong to beings of superior classes, and, in their highest perfection, bestow on man his noblest attributes, and place him at the head of the animal creation. It is plain therefore that the improvement of the nervous system, to the utmost pitch of which it is susceptible, should constitute the leading object of all sorts of education and training. And on the attainment of that object depend the future standing, achievements, and happiness of our race, and the peace, prosperity, and glory of the world. Is any one inclined to regard this statement as exaggerated at least, if not actually erroneous; and to ask me, whether it is not from the cultivation and improvement of the mind that results so beneficial and resplendent are to issue? Were this question put to me, my reply to it would be affirmative; but I would add, that the improvement of the nervous system, especially of the brain, and the improvement of the mind, are the same. We have no ground to believe, much less are we authorized to assert, that the mind, as an independent and insulated being, is improved, or, in the slightest degree altered by education and training. Indeed the alteration, either for better or worse, of a spiritual substance, by any kind of action or influ |