Author of “Untersuchungen über die Strychnine-wirking und deren Paralysirung durch künstliche Respiration,” Du Bois Reymond’s Archiv, 1867, p. 629. Contrib. to “Moleschott’s Untersuchungen,” Virchow’s and Du Bois Reymond’s Archiv., &c.
Made experiments with strychnine on various animals.
Lewaschew (Dr.), St. Petersburg.
“A most careful and valuable series of experimental researches on the influence of the nervous system in the causation of disease of the vessels has been contributed to the current number of Virchow’s Archiv., by Dr. Lewaschew, of St. Petersburg.… The method of investigation is worthy of mention. Generally the chief nerve trunks of the hinder extremities of dogs were the parts subject to irritation by means of a solution of muriatic or sulphuric acid; it was found that rabbits and cats were unfit for this continuous form of stimulation, because the action of the acid on the exposed nerve trunk brought about gangrene; as a strong stimulus was wanted milder means could not be employed.”—Lancet, June 2nd, 1883, p. 962.
Dr. Lewaschew drew a thread moistened with acid through the nervus ischiadicus of the one leg to set up an irritation in the nerve. At intervals of from three to six days a thread was sewn nearer the peripheric end of the nerve. This was continued till the death of the animals. Some died rapidly of gangrene of the extremities and septicemia, others at the end of two to four weeks only of putrid infection and dysentery; many, however, supported the operation for two or four months. Some of the animals became seized with epileptic fits, which increased till life ended.—Petersburg Med. Wochenschrift, Vol. XXXI., 1880.
Lewes, George Henry. B. London, 1817; d. 1878.
Studied med., anat., and physiol.
Author of “On the spinal cord,” 1858; “The nervous system,” 1859; “Physiology of Common Life,” 1860; “Aristotle,” 1864; “Problems of Life and Mind,” etc.
“A triton whose cord had been divided some weeks was completely cut in two. The head-half immediately began crawling away with great activity, which, as this half contained the heart, and almost all the viscera, was not surprising. The tail half remained for some time in a standing posture, and then began to crawl forward. After three steps it paused, remaining quiet during five minutes, and began again, but feebly. The tail moved spontaneously, but with great slowness; when it was touched both tail and legs moved. I then placed it under a glass, with a moistened sponge inside to prevent evaporation from the skin, and left it there for two hours, watching its spontaneous, though very languid movements. If any reader remains still unconvinced, I can only recommend him to divide the spinal chord of a frog a little below the shoulders, and keep the animal for some days or weeks (care must be taken to prevent water getting to the cord, as that soon kills the animal), watching it, and testing its sensibility.”—Physiol. Com. Life, Vol. II., pp. 255-6.