I^^n a 



THE EVOLUTION OF MIND 



I 



a fibre consists in the successive isomeric 

 transformations and retransformations of the 

 systems of molecules which make up the fibre. 

 These conclusions are quite probable, though 

 not proven. But it is entirely proved that a 

 cell is a place where nervous energy is liberated, 

 while a fibre is a path along which nervous 

 energy is transmitted. 



Bearing all this in mind, it appears that the 

 cerebrum and cerebellum are places where count- 

 less centres are constantly liberating nervous 

 energy, and where this liberated energy is con- 

 tinually flowing along definite channels and 

 from one centre to another. But to make the 

 statement complete, we should add that much 

 of the liberated energy is drafted off along cen- 

 trifugal fibres into the corpora striata, whence 

 it flows into the medulla and spinal centres, and 

 is thus diflTused over the body. Omitting the 

 further consideration of these circumstances, let 

 us inquire into the meaning of this unceasing 

 interchange of molecular motion between the 

 innumerable cells crowded together in the cere- 

 brum and cerebellum. In other words, what 

 are the functions of these supreme ganglia ? 



That their functions are not in any degree 

 the direct coordination of sensations and move- 

 ments would appear from the fact that these 

 direct coordinations are already made in the 

 spinal cord and in the medulla. All the mus- 

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