Experiments to ascertain the influence of the spinal marrow on the action of the heart in fishes

Abstract

These experiments were undertaken by the author, in order to ascertain the truth or fallacy of M. Le Gallois’ conclusion respecting the action of the heart being dependent on the spinal marrow. For since the death of quadrupeds (on which M. Le Gallois operated) is so readily produced by injury to the vital organs, it appeared to Mr. Clift that fishes would be far preferable, from their being more tenacious of life. After two or three preliminary experiments on the duration of the heart’s action in carp, after being fully exposed by opening into the pericardium without any injury being done to the brain or spinal marrow, Mr. Clift next passed a hot wire from the tail to the occiput of a carp of the same size, so as to destroy its spinal marrow; and he found that the action of the heart was quickened for two or three beats, but then resumed the same rate of pulsation as before, although the voluntary muscles had lost their power and did not contract when a stimulus was applied to them.