THE HUMAN SOUL

Hokitika Guardian, 14 May 1928, Page 1

THE HUMAN SOUL

ISIII A. KEITH'S STATEMENT.

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—-Copyright.)

LONDON, May 12. Sir Arthur Keith’s prominence in the medical world has caused Ins statement that death is the end of everything to be discussed throughout England.

it was in a lecture at Manchester University that Sir A. Keith said:— “Scientists and medical men agree that there is no evidence, to support the assumption that the spirit survives after the brain ceases to function. IT we withhold the supply of oxygen, or fuel, the brain ceases. Medical moil can find no grounds for believing that the brain iis a dual organ, or that it is a compound substances. Every fact known to them confirms the reference that mind, spirit, and soul are the manifestation of the living brain, just as the flame is the nianfcst spirit of the burning candle. Roth the flame and the spirit cease existence at the moment of extinction.”

While in the course of criticism of Sir A. Keith’s declaration, it is admitted that the whole of the medical profession are not committed to the view of Sir A. Keith, his view nevertheless finds support among doctors whose names are world-famous. The newspapers, without exception, condemn the view of Sir A. Keith. They have characterised it as “a strange conceit.” especially in one of those foremost in the world of medicine, fo deny that which he does not comprehend. To-day eminent leaders of the Church of England hasten to defend the faith against medical science. The Bishop of London, Dr Ingram, declares: “With all due respect to the distinguished doctor, such pure materialism is out of date. It is at least fifty years too late.”

The Bishop of Manchester dismissed ,Sir A. Keith's statement briefly. He said that materialism is not new. and therefore he does not see why a new statement thereon should disturb anybody.

’The Bishop of Ely suggests that Sir A. Keith should hesitate to dispute (he Christian doctrine as to the origin of 1,i.f0 and of the human sold. The Bishop of Woolwich said that, from time to .time, there were men who hazarded- such statements, but it was just conjecture, and it need not shako the faith of Christians in everlasting life. Dr Maurice Rollon, D.D.. Professor of Dogmatic Theology at King’s College, London, says: “Sir Alexander Keith appears to be suffering from tbe modern disease of mental departmentalism, tlie result of over specialisation. Tbe world listens with respect. to such a great anthropologist as he ou the subject of skulls and jawbones—whether of asses or of men. When the question, however, is that of souls, we beg leave to consult other authorities."

Sir John Bland Sutton, the famous surgeon, supports Sir A. Keith, and says; “Death is the end of all, and endless sloop. Everybody who has studied it scientifically and deeply bar come to the same conclusion.” OT IT E R AI ED ICA L VIF WS.

Professor Delisle Burns doubts whether ISir A. Keith lias been looking at the evidence, and says: “It. is undeniable that there are activities in experience which are not tlie. same type as materials and objects.”.

Sir Richard Gregory says: “Sir A. Keith weighs and measures brains in the laboratory, but be cannot measure the weight of spirit, therefore he is not. concerned about it, and does not know if there is spirit.. lam certain in my knowledge of Sir A. Keith and hits great ability that ho does not mean to deny the existence of something which cannot at present be demonstrated.”