SUPPLEMENTAL HISTORY OF MAN. 121 



brain after birth, in its entire mass, in its relative 

 proportions, and in its general texture. Some have 

 asserted that the progress of the intellectual faculties 

 corresponds with these alterations, an assertion, how- 

 ever, which requires more complete proof than has 

 yet been adduced to support it, and which cannot 

 always be reconciled with our experience of the in- 

 dividual variations as to time in the changes and 

 development of human intellect. 



It is disputed at what period of life the human 

 brain arrives at complete development. Some as- 

 signing three years of age as the limit of its increase, 

 others seven, and others a much later period. It 

 is not improbable that the animal is perfect in its 

 organization soon after birth ; this, if true, would 

 constitute a remarkable point of distinction between 

 man and the lower animals. 



We shall conclude our observations on the brain 

 in the language of Mr. Abernethy, who, in re- 

 ference to the diversities of intellect and mental 

 impulse, which both collectively and individually 

 mark mankind, is too enlightened a philosopher to 

 confound mind with matter, or to suppose that the 

 subtilty of thought can ever cease to evade the knife 

 of the anatomist. His practical deductions are of 

 real utility and importance. 



" To me the plurality of our senses has always 

 appeared a strong argument for the individuality of 

 mind. I see, I hear ; I am variously affected. I am 

 more delighted with the objects I behold, or more 

 charmed with the melody I hear. 



