Mammalia : Nervous System 



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It has been said of mammals that they have a "better brain " than 

 that of other vertebrates and that, to a greater extent, they "live by 

 their wits." Unquestionably, the behavior of mammals, compared to 

 that of reptiles and birds, gives much more evidence of something 

 approaching or even quite attaining intelligence. Therefore it would 

 be reasonable to expect that the mammalian nervous system would 

 be conspicuously different from that of other vertebrates. But ana- 

 tomically it is not. So far as gross structure is concerned, the mam- 

 malian nervous organs, compared to those of reptiles, show no differ- 

 ences commensurate with those exhibited by the skin, heart, aortic 

 arches, lungs, and reproductive organs of the two Classes. This fact is a 

 consequence of the peculiar nature of nervous functions. Unlike most 

 other functions, that of a nervous organ is largely independent of the 

 form of that organ, this being especially true of the central organs, 

 brain and spinal cord. 



In a large manufacturing establishment the offices are connected 

 with the shops by numerous telephone lines centering in an elaborate 

 switchboard. The operation of the switchboard does not depend upon 

 its being square, oblong, or circular. In times of peace the factory may 

 produce automobiles and refrigerators. During war it may be "con- 

 verted" to production of tanks, airplanes, and munitions. This change 

 in function compels radical changes in the mechanical equipment of 

 the shops, but it may require little or no alteration of the telephone 

 system. At one time the office personnel may be of low efficiency, with 

 the result that the output of the factory is deficient in quantity and 

 quality. Under highly efficient management, great improvement may 

 be made in the operation and products. But the telephones which 

 formerly transmitted careless and stupid orders will transmit just as 

 effectively orders given by highly intelligent and trained experts in 

 the office. Increase in business, however, may require adding new 

 telephones and enlarging the switchboard. 



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