novelty, along with whatever other merits they
may possess.”1
In fact it is not conjecture, but proof which is
wanted in physiology. And in regard to the
present question, I, who have never seen the experiment,
prefer quoting the opinion of no mean
authority, and eye-witness of Dr. Barry’s experiments,
to offering any remarks of my own.
Laënnec himself observes :
“ Témoin de plusieurs des expériences de M.
Barry, je suis convaincu de l’exactitude de son
opinion, quant à l’influence de la pression atmosphérique
sur la circulation veineuse, influence à laquelle
on n’avait fait jusqu’ici aucune attention. La
découverte de M. le docteur Barry est, à mon avis,
le complément le plus remarquable qu’ait encore
reçu celle de son illustre compatriote Harvey.” 2
Dr. Philip opposes an experiment and an argument
to the views of Dr. Barry. He first shews
that the circulation will go on apparently quite
perfectly when influence of inspiration, and consequently
of atmospheric pressure is removed :
as when the thorax of an animal is freely opened.
1 Experimental Researches. Preface, p. xiv.
3 De l’Auscultation Médiate. Ed. 3', Tome III. p. 36.
I confess I cannot see any force in this objection.
The arteries would doubtless carry on the circulation
without the aid of the heart, could a continual
supply of blood be effected; a fact actually
observed indeed in acardiac foetuses and in acar-
diac animals. Should we say that the heart does
not circulate the blood, because the blood can be
circulated without its agency or influence? Dr.
Philip then argues that the parietes of the veins are
such as to collapse, and render the influence of inspiration
and the pressure of the atmosphere of no
avail. This is in the first place, to oppose a mere
argument to an actual and well-attested experiment.
In the second place, it is to leave out of the consideration,
the peculiar situation of the veins
relatively to other and adjacent textures, and the
perpetual flow of blood into them from other
powers of the circulation.
But it is riot my present object to enter into
this particular question. I seize the opportunity,
rather, to record an interesting fact. It is
this : frequently on first placing the web of a frog
under the microscope, there is for some minutes
no circulation. Afterwards, when the circulation
is seen proceeding rapidly, it is frequently in