220 THE BRAIN AN ELECTRIC ORGAN. 



round, oval, or fusiform nerve-cells, that they 

 constitute but one organ. 



From its chemical analysis and molecular ar- 

 rangements we may assume the distinctive func- 

 tion of the brain to be that of a voltaic battery. 



The marvellous convolutions and s^llc^, or fur- 

 rows, of the brain may serve as leaves of the bat- 

 tery ; and they present an extent of surface to the 

 battery fluid which it would be impossible to 

 obtain in any other way. 



Thus continuity and intensity of electric action 

 can be effected in a very small space. 



The spiral ganglia probably serve as relay bat- 

 teries. And here again we may conclude that a 

 gentle, modified, and distinctive periodic motion 

 is transmitted through these convolutions in har- 

 mony with the heart-beat, keeping the brain as it 

 were on the qui vive, a faithful sentinel to the 

 enthroned will of man. 



We may assume, then, that the brain is elabo- 

 rated for the transmission of electric communica- 

 tion to and from itself, and to and from each part 

 of the body ; also that this transmission depends 

 on the integrity of the nerves, and ceases with 

 life. 



Fluid is essential to a powerful battery current. 

 It predominates in the brain, eye, ear, and various 

 other organs ; and in every part of the human body 

 chemical elements and molecular arrangements, 

 requisite for the formation and continuance of a 



