Resting Potentials Inside the Cochlear Partition of the Guinea Pig

IN an earlier experiment1, the tip of a needle was pressed against the cochlear partition of a lightly anæsthetized guinea pig, and the microphonics produced by the displacement of the cochlear partition were observed. The mechanical work necessary for a certain displacement of the cochlear partition could be measured and compared with the electric energy produced by the microphonics for this displacement. This comparison showed that the electric output in the vestibular canal of the cochlea was larger than the mechanical energy used up in the displacement of the cochlear partition. This finding suggested that the cochlear partition contains a pool (source) of electrical energy.