284 THE SNAKES OF SOUTH AFRICA. 



an elementary knowledge of physiology. The patient is often 

 liberally dosed with drastic drugs in large quantities — drugs 

 which a doctor would hesitate to prescribe even in small doses. 

 Many other methods even more harmful and pernicious are resorted 

 to, and worthless so-called snake bite remedies command a 

 ready sale among the ignorant.* 



The Functions of the Brain. 



The brain is the source of all thinking and feeling powers 

 possessed by us. All intelligence lies in what is known as the 

 grey matter, which is composed of a layer of greyish cells, which 

 covers the entire brain. 



The body is a machine with marvellously intricate machinery, 

 but it is utterly devoid of intelligence. It is merely the medium 

 through which the brain operates upon physical matter. The 

 body carries out the commands of the brain and mind. When we 

 see the dead body of a man, we do not say it is the man himself. 

 We say it is his dead body. The spirit which worked the cells 

 of the brain, which in turn operated upon the various parts of the 

 body, has fled, never to return. The bacteria of decay then assume 

 command, and convert the body back to its original elements. 



The motor of the wonderful human machine is the brain, 

 which is enclosed in the skull. The brain is divided into two 

 parts, the main portion being known as the Cerebrum. The other 

 part is the Cerebellum, which Hes at the base of the skull, behind 

 the ears. Both the Cerebrum and the Cerebellum are divided 

 into two parts, which are known as hemispheres. These parts 

 are united at the base by nerve fibres. The brain is really a great 

 mass of nerve matter. The average weight of the brain of an 

 adult male is about forty-nine and a half ounces, and forty-four 

 ounces in females. 



The brain is covered, first by the skull, then with a tough 

 membrane known as the Dura Mater. This membrane is charged 

 with blood vessels which supply nourishment to the brain and skull. 



Under this tough covering is a delicate membrane, not unlike 



a fine spider's web in appearance, known as the Arachnoid 



membrane. Yet another membrane envelops the brain ; it is 



known as the Pia Mater. It lies right upon the substance of the 



* A little elementary health advice is inserted here and there. This is 

 relevant because the more robust the health the greater is the chance of 

 complete recovery after being bitten by a snake. 



