THE SPINAL CORD AND CEREBELLUM 129 



that the strongest stimulus is that which is best for 

 us and for others. If we do so, we shall have no 

 cause either to deplore the fact that volition is a 

 matter of habit and of reflex action, or to regret 

 having based our moral efforts on a physiological 

 foundation. 



Amongst the many kinds of cells belonging to the Points of 



resem- 



nervous system, are there any, we may now ask, the biauce 

 characteristics of which correspond at all to those the oeiia of 

 one might expect in cells destined to intensify the ana those 

 action of other cells? We have already drawn atten- column.*^ 

 tion to the cells of Clarke's column, and it is natural 

 to connect these with the giant cells of Purkinje in 

 the cerebellum, firstly, because the axons or main 

 fibres of the former lead to that organ ; secondly, 

 because both sets are imbedded in fibres ; and, thirdly, 

 because, though very large, neither set is motor nor 

 sensory in the ordinary acceptation of the term. 



In order to follow this argument to its logical Opposite 



" ° views re- 



conclusion, it is now necessary to consider somewhat specting 



the funo- 



in detail the whole question of the functions of the tions of 

 cerebellum. Current opinions with reference to that beiium. 

 organ may be divided into two categories : there are 

 those who look on the cerebellum as a reinforcing 

 organ to other parts of the nervous system — as a 

 reservoir of force, which may be drawn upon to a 

 greater or less extent, according to the degree of each 

 local or temporary need; whilst others see in it 

 nothing more than a great co-ordinating centre, a 

 great junction, that is to say, where one part of 



9 



