THE NORMAL BRAIN.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4547, 6 April 1923, Page 2

THE NORMAL BRAIN.

DEFINING THE: BORDERLINE, “What is a normal brain ?” is a question raised by a recent inquest, writes “A Brain Specialist” in the “Overseas Daily Mail.” The borderline between the absolute normal and abnormal is so thin that it 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 anff 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. 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 in which are frequently to be noted in disordered minds. Again, there is the religious instinct, which often finds adnormal expression. intercuts 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 a change in the patient’s pursuits. Humour, temperament,, and disposition arc innate cerebral characteristics. Good humour belongs to a healthy brain, whereas an extravagant optimism is common in some abnormal mental states. 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. Gullibility is also an indicator of weak thought. Confusion is another feature of ill-balance when it refers to 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 the unhealthy are, as a rule, fearful. As regards the affections, the wellbalanced mind shows more likes than dislikes, more friendliness than hatred, more sympathy than ahtipathy.