Observations on the scratch‐reflex in the spinal dog

THE scratch-reflex of the 'spinal' dog can be elicited by electrical stimuli' as well as by mechanical of the kinds previously described2 as efficient for it. It was noted in a former papers that the frequency of the rhythmic response of this reflex is not sensibly affected by the rate of repetition of mechanical stimuli evoking it, For testing this relation electrical stimuli possess advantages over mechanical. With the former the rate of application, duration, &c., can be better adjusted and controlled. If a graphic record of the scratching movement itself be taken simultaneously with that of the application of the stimuli to the skin, the rhythms of the movement and of the stitnulus can be compared.