THE NORMAL BRAIN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 31 March 1923, Page 9

THE NORMAL BRAIN

(By a Brain Specialist.) "What is a normal brain? is a question raised by a recent, inquest in London. The borderline between the absolute normal and abnormal is so thin that is is impossible to set up any definite standard and to say that whatever falls below it constitutes abnormality. But a glance at some of the normal functions of the mind and the symptoms of their disorder will perhaps be the best way to attempt an answer to the question. We may begin with the instincts. That of self-preservation comes first. The arrest of its development constitutes the predisposition to suicide, while the homicidal tendencies characterise those who fail to respect, the health and life of others. There is also the domestic instinct, the perversion of which prompts to infanticide; and the herd instinct, leading us to seek the company of our fellows, variations iu which are frequently to be noted in disordered minds. Again, there is the religious instinct, which often finds abnormal expression. And so on with the other instincts, whose proper functioning constitutes the foundation of wellorganised brains. Interests and tastes form criteria of the normal mind. In a well-balanced mind aesthetic, interests are well blended, but the normal development is towards practical pursuits, and in insanity there is always a change in the patient's pursuits. Humour, temperament, and disposition are innate cerebral characteristics. Good humour belongs to a healthy brain, whereas an extravagant optimism is common in some abnormal mental states. Temperament is determined by the prevailing humour, 'and disposition is the expression of it in one's conduct, such as kindliness, 1110roseness, and hopelessness. Memory is a. prime characteristic of a healthy brain. Then we have disorders of thought, such as premature inferences and extravagant imaginings —due to an impairment of corrective judgment. The foolish and the deluded accept blindly almost any (minion which their brain serves up, and any suggestion from outside meets with scant consideration. 'l'o he obsessed is just to be dominated by an imperative idea, and indicates diminished power of thinking. Gullibility is also an indicator of weak thought. Opinioriattveness and extravagant expectation are minor failures dw. to an exhaustion of sound judgment. Confusion is another feature of ill-balance when it refers fo things which admit of no question; so also is doubt. Again, we may note the feelings, emotions, and affections. Take hope and. fear, for example; extravagance in either direction, is bad, but Hie unhealthy arc, as a. rule, fearful. As regards tin- all'ections, the wellbalanced mind shows more likes than dislikes, more friendliness than hatred, more sympathy than antipathy.