The Physiology of Man

Abstract

WE have already had tospeak in terms of high commendation of Dr. Flint's comprehensive treatise on human physiology, as being written in a clear, methodical, and judicial style, the statements made being carefully weighed, and in most instances supported, by the best, if not the most numerous, authorities; whilst the author has in many parts enriched it with the results of his own important researches. The present, which constitutes the fourth volume of the work, is no exception to our remarks. It is occupied with the consideration of the nervous system, excluding the special senses, and gives a very complete account of that difficult and extensive section of physiology, the study of which has engaged the attention of so many of the best workers in all civilised countries during the past twenty years. Dr. Flint commences by a short résumé of the principal facts that have recently been made out in regard to the structure of the nerve-centres and cords, and the mode of termination of the nerves in muscle, gland, and skin; entering into the subject perhaps as far as is necessary in a strictly physiological work, the author taking Schultze's article in the recently published “Handbook of Histology” of Stricker, Kölliker, and Robin as his guides. The first chapter concludes with an account of the recent observations of Voit on the regeneration of the cerebral hemispheres after their ablation, which show that a large portion of these bodies may be reproduced, and that the organ may recover its functions to no very inconsiderable extent.

The Physiology of Man.

By Austin Flint Jun.. Pp. 470. (New York: D. Appleton and Co., 1872.)