XVI. The Croonian Lecture.—experiments on the brain of monkeys (second series)

Abstract

In a former memoir presented to the Royal Society the author described the results of electrical irritation of localized regions of the brain of monkeys. This memoir contains the details of experiments relating chiefly to the ablation or destruction of these localized centres, with the view of determining the significance, as regards motion and sensation, of the phenomena resulting from electrical stimulation, and for the purpose of ascertaining the function of those parts which give no external response to irritation. No originality is claimed either for the idea or method of carrying out these experiments. The plan chiefly followed in the destruction of localized regions in the hemispheres was the application of the cautery, either in the form of a red-hot iron, or of the galvanic cautery, or of Bruce’s blowpipe cautery, according to special necessities or conditions. The advantage of this method is that destruction of the grey matter can be caused rapidly and effectually, without risk of hæmorrhage or interference with the integrity of surrounding parts. By the same method a part can be severed from the hemispheres without risk of hæmorrhage.