BRAIN AND NEBVOUS SYSTEM. 341 



of, all the organs of the animal body. It is of the utmost 

 importance in our structure, and, on this account, very great 

 pains have been taken to provide for its well-being, and to 

 defend it from injury. The thick bones of the skull are ar- 

 ranged so as to give the greatest strength to the arch, and make 

 it capable of bearing very heavy weights without suffering. 



780. The human brain fills all the cavity of the skull, and 

 corresponds with its shape. It is the seat of sensation, of 

 thought, and volition, and the organ of the mind. Through 

 this we recognize the impressions of external things. These 

 impressions, which are made upon the organs of sense, and car- 

 ried inward through the nerve, are not perceived if the brain 

 is wanting, or if its power of action is suspended. When it 

 is unnaturally oppressed with blood, as in apoplexy, or with 

 water, as in dropsy, the light that shines upon the eye is not 

 recognized by the brain, and consequently the mind receives 

 no idea of external objects which the light reflects. 



783. Although the brain is the organ of sensation, it is 

 not of itself sensitive. It will bear pricking, or even cutting, 

 with less pain than the fingers. Many experiments tried 

 upon lower animals show that these creatures do not mani- 

 fest signs of pain when the brain is cut, and even a part taken 

 out. The same has been observed in man in cases of acci- 

 dents. A child fell from a tree and fractured the skull ; a 

 part of the brain protruded, and the surgeon cut it off with- 

 out occasioning apparent pain. This has frequently been 

 done with the same result, and when the mind was perfectly 

 clear, and capable of attending to the impressions communi- 

 cated to it through the brain. 



784. Whatever provisions are made by the Creator for the 

 action and support of the brain, are as necessary for its well- 

 being, and' for the health of the mind, as the provisions made 

 for the heart and lungs are for their well-being, and for circu- 

 lation and respiration. It must have room for action. The 

 cavity of the skull its resting-place is just large enough 

 for it. It needs so much space, and no more, and does not 

 safely bear any diminution. If this room be diminished by 



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