284 - THE SNAKES OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
an elementary knowledge of physiology. The patient is often 
liberally dosed with drastic drugs in large quantities—drugs 
which a doctor would hesitate to prescribe even in small doses. 
Many other methods even more harmful and pernicious are resorted 
to, and worthless so-called snake bite remedies command a 
ready sale among the ignorant. 
THE FUNCTIONS OF THE BRAIN. 
The brain is the source of all thinking and feeling powers 
possessed by us. All intelligence lies in what is known as the 
grey matter, which is composed of a layer of greyish cells, which 
covers the entire brain. 
The body is a machine with marvellously intricate machinery, 
but it is utterly devoid of intelligence. It is merely the medium 
through which the brain operates upon physical matter. The 
body carries out the commands of the brain or mind. When we 
see the dead body of a man, we do not say it is the man himself. 
We say it is his dead body. The spirit which worked the cells 
of the brain, which in turn operated upon the various parts of 
the body, has fled, never to return. The bacteria of decay then 
assume command, and convert the body back to its original 
elements. 
The driver of the wonderful human machine is the brain, 
which is enclosed in the skull. The brain is divided into two 
parts, the main portion being known as the Cerebrum. The other 
part is the Cerebellum, which lies at the base of the skull, behind 
the ears. Both the Cerebrum and the Cerebellum are divided 
into two parts, which are known as hemispheres. These parts 
are united at the base by nerve fibres. The brain is really a great 
mass of nerve matter. The average weight of the brain of an 
adult male is about forty-nine and a half ounces, and forty-four 
ounces in females. 
The brain is covered, first by the skull, then with a tough 
membrane known as the Dura Mater. This membrane is charged 
with blood vessels which supply nourishment to the brain and 
skull. 
Under this tough covering is a delicate membrane, not unlike 
a fine spider’s web in appearance, known as the Arachnoid 
membrane. Yet another membrane envelops the brain; it is 
known as the Pia Mater. It lies right upon the substance of the 
