74 THE HUMAN BRAIN. 



cerebral exercise concurs with this state. Then all is sensation, and 

 action gratifying sense; and the cerebral hemispheres are called 

 into play in a more important degree. Lastly comes the rational 

 period mixed or marred with the others, and the brain movements 

 are directed more finely to suit the new demands. The mind 

 moreover handles the brain as the brain handles the body. At 

 first the thoughts are little better that confused impressions, and 

 the rational actions like sensual or spasmodic states. But by de- 

 grees the will gets into the cortex, and the understanding also, and 

 mental continence is established. The brain sits and notices, and 

 stands and runs, as its limbs are directed by the voluntary powers. 

 It becomes to the full locomotive through a host of fears, trials and 

 falls. Every nerve muscle now comes under control, and the 

 brain enters on the command of its position. Learning to think 

 appears to be analogous to learning to observe; and learning to 

 will, to learning to act. Hence a good education would enable us 

 to use all parts of the brain, as a fine gymnastic system calls into 

 play all and unwonted parts of the body. But let the education 

 be as good as it will, there is still a difference in brains, and one 

 can do feats which another cannot attempt. The brain, however, 

 is not the limit but the vessel of the mind, nor do the faculties of 

 one sphere necessarily argue those of the other. This world's 

 idiots may only be taking a long natural rest, to fit them for the 

 activities of another station ; where the brain cannot be a chariot 

 to ride in, it is still a bed to sleep upon. 



We have thus taken notice of some leading problems respecting 

 the brain, dismissing many others ; but still there are matters of 

 importance on which a few words may be said. And first as to the 

 use of the two symmetrical halves of the nervous system. This, 

 we believe, is a deep problem, and capable of a large superficial 

 reply. Have not all things two sides, and must not the brain and 

 nerves image and use the doubleness of universal nature ? Man 

 has two halves, respectively called the male and female, and the 

 body has two, in its right and left sides. Action is the function of 

 the one, and passion, answering to action, is the function of the 

 other. The left hand steadies the object upon which the right 

 hand works. The woman constructs the material groundwork, the 



