The Relation of Science and Religion.pdf - Online Christian Library

HIGHER ORGANISMS. 211other fibres laid alongside of it, jusL as copperwire is isolated by a gutta-percha coveringwhen the two connecting lines from an electricbattery are laid down in close proximityas in the arrangement for electric bells. Bythis provision the nerve fibres are completelyisolated making it possible to distinguish sensoryimpressions so as $0 tell which finger hasbeen touched. The similarity of structure inthe two lines of nerves is a striking fact inview of the completely distinct functions fulfilled.This leads to a special explanation ofthe provisioii for different modes of action.This is secured by diversity in the terminalarrangemelzts for the two classes of nerves.The nerves of sensibility have a peculiarly sensitivearrangement spread under the skin, constitutingan end-bulb or touch organ. In certainparts of the body more sensitive thanothers, such as the tips of the fingers, thereare additional minute corpuscles, groupedalongside of the nerve, liable to contractunder the slightest pressure, and which addgreatly to the sensitiveness of the particularparts about which they cluster. The terminalarrangements of the motor nerves arequite different. The nerve fibres pass into