RECORD: Darwin, C. R. Abstract of The cyclopaedia of anatomy and physiology, 1847. CUL-DAR195.4.65. Edited by John van Wyhe (Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe 6.2022. RN1
NOTE: See record in the Darwin Online manuscript catalogue, enter its Identifier here. Reproduced with permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library and William Huxley Darwin. The volume CUL-DAR195 contains materials for Darwin's book Expression of the emotions (1872) organised roughly as: DAR195.1 blushing. DAR195.2 astonishment, fear. DAR195.3 indignation, rage, screaming, etc. DAR195.4 laughter, frowning, introduction.
[65]
Todd Cyclop. vol. 3 [1847] p. 90.
Tears flow like saliva steadily ─ primary purpose to bathe eye (& judging from effect of foreign particle or acrid matter or vapor (& by sympathy on nostrils) for purpose of washing the eye.) There is no sack for tears, but several ducts from the gland. From what use of effects of choking, coughing, laughing & crying, in all which cases eye is pressed by muscle, it seems that Bell is right & that pressure causes by irritation tears to be secreted. The view supported by my observation on Willy, viz, that flow of tears a secondary effect. Lacrymal gland on upper side; have perhaps the [fission] of Orb. pal sup in crying it irritate more than contraction of lower in laughing
[65v]
In Willy first sign was redness of head, ie blood rushing to head, then frown ─ then contraction of muscles round eyes ─ ─ I have [printed] Todds Cyclop well & can find nothing more about crying ─ Müller is better. ─
Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
File last updated 25 September, 2022