Observations on the labyrinth of certain animals

Abstract

The method of preparing the membranous labyrinth devised by the writer has made the study of that organ more easy. The difficulty which previously attended the examination of the inner ear was so great that even the extraordinary patience of Retzius only permitted him to complete the investigation of 5 mammals and 11 birds. In more recent times Alexander has examined several more by the microscope, but the total number altogether is still very small. The writer has already published the results of his investigations in the seal and in man. The results of the examination of 14 other mammals are at present in course of publication and will not be described in this paper, except in so far as they throw light upon the subjects immediately under discussion. It is necessary, however, to refer in general terms to the anatomy of the inner ear in the case of the animals mentioned, in order that that of those described in this paper may be properly understood.