Statement of Problem

Abstract

As obviously any sequence of differential sensitivity can be established in in vitro investigations using cathode-ray oscillography of the compound action potentials, conclusive proof of the differential block seems possible only in vivo. So far, however, in vivo investigations have used disparate methods to compare blockade and regression times of nerve functions. This is seen most clearly in the comparisons of the effect of anaesthesia on the function of the voluntary motor system and the vasomotor system. Voluntary motoricity was measured as a defined performance, but the time which elapsed until it was completely blocked was compared with a vasomotor latency time which was measured by an arbitrarily chosen rise in temperature [22, 42]. For the tested latency times of perception of sensations, it is not even certain that the loss of perception is equated with interruption of nerve conduction.