Title
Descartes' model of the antagonistic eye muscles A,E
Caption
Descartes' model of the antagonistic eye muscles A,E. When E is relaxed A is ennervated. Descartes believed that an animal spirit travelling down hollow nerves C,B, contracted the muscles and blew them up, and that they relaxed when the spirit was shut off by valves. From Rene Descartes Opera Philosophica Frankfurt-am-Main. 1692. Originally published in his Tractatus de homine, Paris, 1664. Woodcut.
Date
1664
Credit line
Photo12/Ann Ronan Picture Library
Reference
ARP07108_0460000674
License type
Rights managed
Available size
37,1Mb (1,6Mb) / 12,2in x 11,8in / 3658 x 3543 (300dpi)