PARIETAL REGION IN THE PRIMATE BRAIN 339 



gous cortical areas and are in a position to compare the results 

 thus obtained with each other or with any standard we may see 

 fit to set up, representing average, racial or primitive conditions. 



Individual variations in the cerebrum can only be variations 

 of these cortical areas, doubtless in different degrees, which latter 

 variations are in turn reflected in the varying fissural pattern. 

 In comparing brains we should compare areas, functional sub- 

 divisions, rather than the largely mechanical results of their 

 development. A mere comparison of gyri and sulci is vain and 

 idle for any adequate understanding of the brain as an organ of 

 mind. The best we can do at present is to institute compari- 

 sons between anatomical areas, in a few cases functional areas 

 also, but not until we are able to speak throughout in terms of 

 function shall we be able to appreciate the differences which we 

 already recognize. 



Without doubt* there occur cases in which one can find ana- 

 tomical relations, even macroscopic in nature, which can be 

 brought into association with certain attainments or peculiar 

 abilities of their possessors. Biit these, on account of our ignor- 

 ance of the significance of many, even well defined areas, are as 

 yet few in number. Much can certainly be done in a few selected 

 cases by detailed histological examination of the entire cortex 

 but for more rapid, general and practical purposes, we must have 

 recourse to methods similar to the one outlined in this paper. 



We would take occasion here to express our thanks to Prof. 

 G. EUiot Smith in whose laboratory much of this work was done, 

 for material and personal notes placed at our disposal. 



