On the Reflex Function of the Medulla Oblongata and Medulla Spinalis. From the Philosophical Transactions. INSCRIBED BY MARSHALL HALL

HALL, Marshall

Published by London: Richard Taylor, 1833.

About this Item

2 leaves [half-title, title page], pp. 635-665, [1] (20 blank leaves have been bound in at the back). 4to. Contemporary 3/4-leather and marbled boards. Institutional ink stamp of Royal Veterinary College on verso of half-title. Very Good. First Separate Edition. INSCRIBED BY MARSHALL HALL (on half title): " ___? Esq. with the kind regards of/ the Author". This inscription has been crossed out, and, as a result, is difficult to decipher (see photos). The Wellcome Library in London has a copy with a similar inscription. It can be seen online in the catalogue of the Wellcome Library (I can send you a link). Garrison-Morton 1359: "Marshall Hall established the difference between volitional action and unconscious reflexes. This and subsequent work of Hall gave 'reflex action' (a term invented by him) a permanent place in physiology". "Hall's first paper on the reflex concept. Although considerable knowledge existed at this time regarding the isolated spinal cord and the reflex act, virtually nothing was known of the underlying morphology. Hall gave 'reflex action' (a term he invented) a permanent place in physiology by establishing experimentally the basis for the concept of the reflex as a neural arc functioning independently of the brain. 'From the point of view of the development of reflex theory, this is Hall's most important contribution. At one stroke he made possible the concept of a mechanized reflex arc, and introduced it into clinical medicine and neurology' (Fearing, [Reflex Action], p. 141)" (Norman 972). Clarke & O Malley, Human Brain and Spinal Cord, p. 347-50. Osler 2883 (also an inscribed copy).

Seller Inventory # 16591

Bibliographic Details

• Title: On the Reflex Function of the Medulla Oblongata and Medulla Spinalis. From the Philosophical Transactions. INSCRIBED BY MARSHALL HALL
• Publisher: London: Richard Taylor, 1833.
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Very Good
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)