STUDIES OF THE MOVEMENTS OF THE EYELIDS OF ANIMALS: BLINKING

1. A rough classification of the movements of the eyelids of animals has been made. 2. Observations of the normal inter blink period of many vertebrate animals is recorded. 3. The physiology of blinking is considered. 4. The suggestion of Ponder and Kennedy that some of the impulses which cause blinking have a central origin is discussed and supported. 5. The evolution of blinking is referred to and the influence of age considered. I wish to thank Dr Henry Dryerre, Professor of Physiology, The Royal (Dick) Veterinary College, Edinburgh, for his help and suggestions throughout the work.