Citation

Cornsweet AC. J. Exp. Psychol. 1941; 29(1): 58-66.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1941, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/h0052223

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In the earlier series of experiments ordinary anesthetics were used that were grouped under that category. The results of these studies exhibited behavioral tendencies and sequential patternings, of a caudo-cephalad induction, and a cephalo-caudad recovery (1, 2, 3). These researches all posited similarity to developmental studies on foetuses of all geni, infra-mammalian, mammalian, infra-human, and human. None of these experiments, however, used the methods described in this paper; or any of the usual anesthetizing agents. All the anesthetics were administered in the volatile state. Since specific behavioral mechanisms were noted, certain questions arise: were they typical of any one group or of all groups of hydrocarbons and their derivatives? Or could similar pertinent behavioral patterns be elicited from some product never before considered in the light of an anesthetic--gasoline? It had to be the pure substance, and not adulterated with any poisonous ingredients; nor should any of the combustible products be introduced. If these behavioral patternings did occur now, would they give any final or salient clue to the theoretical explanation of all early sequential patternings? Was there any ready answer to developmental progress? Or would it still remain entirely one of individualistic interpretations? These were a few of the questions which arose that seemed essential. Emphasis on exploratory stimulation by means of any mechanically controlled manipulaton was relegated to a lesser position of importance. Pure volatized gasoline was used and not the combustion products. The results that followed appeared singularly significant. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)