The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 14, No. 401, November 28, 1829Various
General
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 14, No. 401, November 28, 1829
Various
Popular literature -- Great Britain -- Periodicals
The connexion between these boys might present an opportunity for some
interesting observations in regard to physiology and pathology. There
is, no doubt, a network of blood-vessels and some minute nerves
passing from one to the other. How far these parts are capable of
transmitting the action of medicines, and of diseases, and especially
what medicines and diseases, are points well worthy of consideration.
Dr. W. thinks that any indisposition of one extends to the other; that
they are inclined to sleep at the same time; eat about the same
quantity, and perform other acts with great similarity. Both he and
Mr. Hunter are of opinion that touching one of them when they are
asleep, awakens both. When they are awake, an impulse given to
one does not in the least affect the other. There is evidently no
impression received by him who is not touched. But the opinion just
mentioned is undoubtedly erroneous. The slightest movement of one
is so speedily perceived by the other, as to deceive those who have
not observed closely. There is no part of them which has a common
perception, excepting the middle of the connecting cord, and a space
near it. When a pointed instrument is applied precisely to the middle
of the cord, it is felt by both, and also for about an inch on each
side; beyond which the impression is limited to the individual of the
side touched.
"In the function of the circulation there is a remarkable uniformity
in the two bodies. The pulsations of the hearts of both coincide
exactly under ordinary circumstances. I counted seventy-three
pulsations in a minute while they were sitting--counting first in one
boy and then in the other; I then placed my fingers on an arm of each
boy, and found the pulsations take place exactly together. One of them
stooping suddenly to look at my watch, his pulse became much quicker
than that of the other; but after he had returned to his former
posture, in about a quarter of a minute his pulse was precisely like
that of the other; this happened repeatedly. Their respirations are,
of consequence, exactly simultaneous."
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