EFFECTS OF HYDROSTATIC PRESSURES UPON THE EXCITABILITY, THE RECOVERY, AND THE POTENTIAL SEQUENCE OF FROG NERVE

Abstract

The study of nerves by means of the potential changes which accompany activity has thus far proved a most precise and fruitful approach to investigations of nerve function. The electrophysiologist, however, recognizes the correctness of the dictum—“You cannot determine a process from a potential.” (Gasser, 1933). But since physiologists desire most of all to know and to understand the processes underlying biological activity, the investigator of nerve potentials has had recourse to a procedure general to the scientific method, and has to some extent circumvented this difficulty in a variety of ways. By correlating excitability data with the potentials, by studies of the modifications in the potential picture produced through ionic changes, alterations in the state of activity, application of drugs, changes of temperature, and of other factors, it has been possible to gather information about the nature of the processes the existence of which is reflected in the production...