VII. On the analysis of voluntary muscular movements by certain new instruments

The object of this investigation was to determine the greatest speed of which the voluntary muscular movements were capable, and how far the speed was influenced by age and education. It was decided to limit the research to a study of the movements of the fingers, as being the easiest parts to examine of the muscular system. The writer has to acknowledge his indebtedness to Professor McKendrick for much valuable assistance and advice. The first instrument used was one devised by Professor McKendrick, and figured at p. 78 of his 'Life in Motion’ (first edition, 1892). It consisted essentially in a tuning fork, carrying a smoked microscopic slide, and set in motion by a bichromate cell.