THE BRAIN OF FOSSIL MAN 403 
At the present time we regard the main mass of this 
convolution as one of the parts of the brain directly 
concerned in speech. The exact role it plays in think- 
ing and speaking we are really not quite certain about. 
But we may say that if this part of the brain is found 
developed in any race of ancient man, that such a race 
possessed at least the potentiality, if not the actuality, of 
speech. As to the functional value of the upper and 
middle frontal convolutions, we are at present not in a 
position to offer any certain opinion. These convolutions 
attain a much greater development in man than in the 
anthropoids, and we are justified in believing that they 
do take an active part in carrying on the functions of 
the brain. 
Behind the three frontal convolutions just named lies 
an important area of the brain (fig. 145). In the centre 
of this area descends the central fissure — the boundary 
between the frontal and parietal lobes. Just in front of 
the central fissure is the pre-centr^l area, concerned in the 
movements of the body. In the lower part of the pre- 
central convolution, just above the fissure of Sylvius, lie 
the centres for the tongue, lips, and face, close to the 
third frontal lobe, which is connected with speech. In 
the pre-central convolution we meet with centres for 
the hand, arm, body, and leg, arranged in a definite* 
sequence from below upwards. In front of the areas 
more directly concerned in exciting and controlling the 
muscles lie other areas — association areas — probably 
concerned in treasuring up memories of how certain acts 
are performed. These association areas extend to the 
hinder ends of the upper, middle, and lower frontal 
convolutions. 
Below the fissure of Sylvius lies the temporal lobe, 
on which three convolutions — the first, second, and third 
— can usually be recognised with great distinctness on 
brain casts. The functional value of the two lower, the 
second and third, is scarcely known to us. But in the 
upper convolution is situated the centre of hearing — that 
part of the brain which receives messages from the ear, 
