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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 19 February 2018
The question how far disease of the surface of the brain may reveal itself by symptoms which point to the exact position of the morbid process, is one of considerable interest, not only in a physiological point of view, in relation to the functions of the convolutions, or from a diagnostic standpoint, as indicating the seat of the diseased action, but also in a therapeutic aspect, in showing where local treatment may probably be most beneficially carried out. In order, however, to be able to decide whether certain symptoms indicate disease in an organ, it is clearly of great consequence that we should know what are the functions of that organ in health. Regarded in this light recent experimental researches into the nature of the cerebral functions, and especially those located in the hemispherical ganglia, are of no small value to the physician. True, very many of the results obtained by such observers as Hitzig and Ferrier, are still problematical; but though this be granted in reference to their more detailed observations, there are certain of their broad general conclusions—those, particularly, that have been corroborated by pathology—which may now be considered as well nigh established on a firm basis of fact; and I make this remark, notwithstanding the vigorous and hostile criticism of Dr. Brown-Séquard. Amongst these conclusions the one with which we are here most concerned, is, that the convolutions bounding the fissure of Rolando are charged with motor function, especially in the upper and lower extremities.
Read at a Quarterly Meeting of the Medico-Psychological Association, held at Glasgow, 15th March, 1878.
* Read afe a Quarterly Meeting of the Medico-Psychological Association, held at Glasgow, 15th March, 1878.>>Google Scholar
* An abstract of this case was recently published in the “British Medical Jonrnal.”>>Google Scholar
* The patient wae brought before a meeting of the Glasgow Pathological and Clinical Society on the 15th December, and this point demonstrated to the satisfaction of the members present. He was also shown at a meeting of the Medico·Psychological Association in Glasgow, on the 15th March; but he then stated that percussion produced only a slight pain in the special region, where previously it had been so marked. In the interval between the meetings, he had been subjected to active treatment.>>Google Scholar
* 20th May. J. N. continued in all respects quite well till 14th April. On that date he had a rigor, with high fever, and a smart dysenteric attack qnickly ensued, which lasted about a week. He stated that on the first day of this illness he felt a “momentary” contraction of the fingers of the right hand, but on givirg them a slap with his other hand, it immediately passed away, and did not recur. Thinking that possibly the large doses of iodide of potassium, which he had been so long using, might be irritating the alimentary canal, and also that it would be desirable to introduce some preparation of mercury into his system, I reduced the iodide to gr. χ twice daily, and added 1-12 gr. of the biniodide of mercury to each dose. Since then he has been using this prescription along with the nightly dose of the bromide of potassium. There has been no further illness in any form. He himself says that he has been upwards of five-and-a-half months free from fits. There can, however, be no doubt that the contraction of the fingers, very slight though it was, showed that the disposition to convulsive aotion had not been fully overcome.>>Google Scholar
* 20th May. This boy continues well.>>Google Scholar
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