220 MICROBES AND HEALTH. 



produce a chemical change in the gray matter (cells) 

 of the brain. First this change occurs in the blood, 

 then in the tissues, including the brain and cord as 

 alread} r mentioned. 



If continued, there are later direct molecular or 

 structural changes. This accounts for insanity as well 

 as epilepsy, for during insanity the chemistry of the 

 brain is altered, the composition of the brain-matter is 

 not natural. It cannot be otherwise, impure blood 

 never did and never will produce healthy natural tissue. 



One-fifth of all the blood in the body goes to nourish 

 the brain, hence the brain receives five times as much 

 blood as any other organ of its size; and it must follow 

 that any habit or indulgence which impairs digestion, 

 and gives unhealthy blood, must produce a special 

 morbid influence upon the brain and nervous system. 

 Hence the enormous production of nervous debility, 

 monomania, hypochondria, insanity, idiocy, and many 

 minor ailments such as rheumatism, neuralgia, headache, 

 mental stupor, lack of resolution, etc. Indigestion and 

 retained waste irritate the nervous system and produce 

 the different mental, nervous and emotional states 

 known as hysteria, nervousness, melancholia and other 

 depressions and hallucinations. This is the foundation 

 upon which epilepsy stands. 



Dynamite may be struck once, or a thousand times, 

 if the blows are light enough, but sooner or later it will 

 explode; and the irritation produced by dyspepsia may 

 be stored up for a time, but sooner or later it too will 

 explode. It will accumulate in the central nervous sys- 



