ON THE FUNCTIONS OF THE CEREBRUM 321 



variable cerebral processes termed conception undoubtedly exists 

 in the cortex cerebri. Common or abstract names, however, are 

 not concepts, but are merely symbols which enable former active 

 processes of conception to be recorded, and future acts of con- 

 ception to be evolved. 



Proper, common, and abstract nouns may thus be compared in 

 function to the algebraic symbols employed by mathematicians, 

 whilst sensori-memorial images and crude sensations may be 

 compared to the numerals of arithmetic. 



Language is, however, an infinitely more complex symbolic 

 system than is that employed by mathematicians ; and its 

 " numerals," i.e. its sensori-memorial images and crude sensa- 

 tions, are innumerable. 



As will be indicated later, the complete performance of the 

 respective psychic processes, with the resulting reintegration of 

 the particular percepts or concepts of which words are symbolic, 

 does not necessarily occur during the mechanical employment 

 of the language mechanism. Rowland, in fact, in her investiga- 

 tion of the psychological experiences connected with the different 

 parts of speech, distinguishes three stages of meaning (1) A feeling 

 of familiarity with the word ; (2) a feeling that she would know how 

 to use it ; and (3) the unrolling of the images. The paper of this 

 author, which includes a valuable bibliography, is well worthy of 

 study in this connection. 



The cerebrum possesses an almost infinite capacity for the 

 development of symbolic systems. New languages may be ac- 

 quired, and as if on the principle of " the more the merrier," with 

 each new acquisition the process of further acquirement appears 

 to become easier. The numerous skilled psychomotor perform- 

 ances which only compare with language in variety and complexity, 

 e.g. music, painting, sculpture, &c., may also be indicated as allied 

 in nature to, though lower in grade than, the symbolic systems of 

 language and mathematics. 



The language mechanism, like the routine systems and " red 

 tape " of every-day life, whilst a good servant, tends to become * 

 bad master, unless the cerebral processes necessary for the elucida- 

 tion of the meaning of the words employed are continually being 

 voluntarily performed. It is thus especially necessary, during 

 the voluntary employment of written or spoken language for the 

 evolution and reproduction of the highest psychic products, e.g. 



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