THE PHYSICAL POSITION OF THE MIND. 
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THE PHYSICAL POSITION OF THE MIND. 
ABSTRACT OF 31R. W. SQUARE'S PAPER. 
(Read January 24th, 1873.) 
There is a physiology of the mind as of the body — a science which 
examines the phenomena of our spiritual part. The brain is supplied 
with blood in a most remarkable degree. The method of circulation 
is different from that of other organs of the body, and is remarkable 
for the remarkably free anastomosis and fine division of the arteries, 
and for the retardation of blood in the veins. The nervous system 
is divided into cells and fibres. These have different functions — the 
cells of propagation, the fibres of transmission. The whole of the 
various parts of the nervous system is brought into close relationship. 
Affections and disturbances of the blood stream also affect the brain, 
and hence the mental phenomena resulting from brain action. 
Waste is renovated by material derived from assimilated food. The 
granular contents of the nerve cells are easily demonstrated to be 
the part of the brain which acts as pabulum for thought. 
Keflex action has mainly to do with the spinal cord. Sensin 
motor action includes the cranial ganglia. Ideo motor action 
includes also the cerebrum. 
Mental acts are divided into two sorts ; firstly, those that result 
from the impressions received from the external world ; the second 
appear to be different, but really are identical with the first. 
These seem to be the pure product of mental action, but are really 
reflected external impressions that have been for some time retained. 
These actions are observed in a lesser degree in animals, In dogs 
ideo motor acts are common, hence showing that dogs possess mind 
producing brain of a rather high order. As then we human beings 
have the higher specialization of nerve action, so we, in the same 
ratio, outstrip the lower animals in the value of our mental 
actions. 
As the brain is developed, so is the mind gradually evolved. In 
times long gone by the evolution was not complete, hence in 
ancient paintings and sculpture we see no heads of intellectual 
conformation. 
