Nerves, Muscles, and Electricity: An Introductory Manual of Electrophysiology, 1970

For centuries man knew about the lightning of the sky (atmospheric or physical electricity) and the numbing effects from contact with powerful electric fishes (animal electricity). Then, after proper experimentation and a synthetic ration­ ale, it began to appear that physical and animal electricity were related in fundamental respects. This realization was made at the end of the eighteenth century, since when the pages of history have been replete with exciting dis­ coveries and developments in electricity and magnetism, electrochemistry, and electrophysiology. It is hoped that this manual will enable some students to relive some of that excitement. The author remembers vividly the excitement when, as an undergraduate, he saw his first action potential. This book is not intended for any particular group of students; it should prove to be of some value to students in secondary schools, colleges, and gradu­ ate schools. Based on personal experience, the author feels that many teachers will also find it of use. Nor is the manual intended solely as a laboratory manual for an introductory course in neurophysiology. Some of the experiments might be introduced into the formallaboratory schedule of general or animal physiology courses. Alternatively, the various experiments might provide the bases for the beginning of special projects lasting for a full semester or even longer.

One Introduction.- Two Instrumentation.- 1. Basic Principles.- 2. Typical Components.- 3. Instrumentation Systems.- Three Laboratory Experiments.- 4. Electricity: Basic Phenomena.- Experiment 1. Electromotive Force: Dissimilar Metals.- Experiment 2. Galvani’s Experiment.- Experiment 3. Demarcation Potentials in Muscle.- 5. Bioelectrical Action Potentials.- Experiment 4. Electric Organ Discharges Experiment.- Experiment 5. Muscle Action Potentials.- Experiment 6. Electrocardiograms.- Experiment 7. Nerve Action Potentials.- 6. Responses to Stimulation.- Experiment 8. Photic Stimulation: The Electroretinogram.- Experiment 9. Mechanical Stimulation: Giant Fiber Discharges in Earthworms.- Experiment 10. Electrical Stimulation: Compound Action Potentials in Peripheral Nerve.- 7. Notes on the Analysis and Interpretation of Electrical Signals.- Four References.- Five Appendices.- Appendix 2. Hints on the Selection of Electrophysiological Apparatus.