1. Of the Effects of Injuries and Violence
inflicted upon a Vis eus, a Limb, fyc.
It is perfectly obvious that, if to crush some
other organ, or a limb, produce the same effect
upon the heart which arises from crushing the
brain and spinal marrow, no deduction can be
drawn from either experiment, in regard to the
function peculiar to any one of these parts or
organs. It is the act of crushing, the act of violence
or shock, generally, the effect of which is
seen. And if, in one instance, we were to conclude
that the heart and the vessels of the circulation
were independent of the brain and spinal
marrow, yet impressible through them, we must
also infer the same thing in regard to the stomach,
or to a limb, and the organs of circulation. A
limb may be amputated, and the animal still
survive with unimpaired powers of life. Yet
the power of the heart may he so impressed
by the violent crushing of a limb, that it shall
cease to heat altogether. If any of the viscera
be violently crushed, the immediate fatal issue is
almost certain.
A robust and healthy waggoner fell down, and
the wheel of his heavy waggon passed over the
abdomen. The beat of the heart was so enfeebled,
that the pulse could scarcely be felt. No reaction
took place. The effect was perfectly similar to
that of crushing a portion of the brain and spinal
marrow. On examination, the ileum was found
lacerated in two places.
A man had his arm drawn in, and violently
crushed and torn off, by some machinery. The
action of the heart failed and never rallied.
Every one will remember the melancholy accident
which occurred to the late Mr. Huskisson.
The tremendous vehicle passed over the thigh.
The action of the heart failed, and the surgeon
waited for reaction,—for an opportunity for amputation,—
in vain!
These facts are familiar to all. They prove
that there is nothing peculiar to the individual
organ crushed, in its effects upon the heart, the
circulation, and the general system; and therefore
that no physiological deduction, in regard to the
nature and office of any particular organ, can be
drawn from an experiment of this kind. The
only point really established is that well-known,
yet wondrous, connection in the animal frame,