Vegetarian supplement to Scientific feeding

by Dora C. C. L. Roper

The nervous system consists of two kinds of nervous tissue. One of these is called the white substance, composed of nerve filaments, and is found in the trunks and branches of nerves on the exterior of the spinal cord and in the internal parts of the brain. The grey substance is composed of granular matter and ganglionic cells. This forms the external layer of convolutions of the brain. This substance forms itself into a double chain of nerve masses or ganglia which are connected by intervening cords and extends down on either side of the spinal column. It is also found in the interior of the spinal cord, the walls of the internal organs and in various parts of the body, forming large plexuses. The solar system, also called the abdominal brain, is the greatest collection of nerve matter in the body outside the skull. Other collections of sympathetic nerve matter are found in the chest and pelvic organs.

Natural will-power can direct its force wherever it is wanted, be it for work or rest; it can sustain on bread and water for many days. Without substance there can be no power. Substantial food, fresh air, water and natural exercise develop strong bodies and minds.

The Brain.

The brain is covered by three membranes, called meninges. One, composed of fibrous substance, forms the lining of the interior of the skull and extends downward around the spinal cord. Next to this is a loose meshwork of delicate fibers, called the arachnoid. The inner membrane rests directly upon the brain substance which encloses a meshwork of small blood vessels and lymph channels. At the base of the brain these blood vessels form a circle, called the circle of “Willis.” Through it the blood is evenly distributed into the fine microscopical structures of the brain.

The cerebrum, or fore brain, is divided into two hemispheres, each of which is further divided into numerous lobes consisting of grey and white nervous substance and millions of nerve cells and fine blood vessels. The hemispheric ganglia are the instruments through which the intellectual powers manifest themselves. If these instruments have become imperfect in structure through retarded development by wrong environment and education, or have been damaged in any manner by severe shock, violence or disease, the manifestations of intelligence are affected in a corresponding degree.

The cerebellum also is composed of grey and white matter and lies at the back part of the base of the skull. It has no convolutions, but is subdivided by many parallel ridges. The pons varolii is the bridge of brain matter which unites various parts of the brain, connecting the cerebrum with the cerebellum and the medulla oblongata. The cerebellum is the seat of co-ordination, or associating power, through which the various muscular movements are effected.

The medulla oblongata is situated at the top of the spine, on issuing from the skull it enters the spinal column and then is known as the spinal cord. Any injury to this part is more fatal than to any other part of the brain.

By natural feeding, overwork is not possible. The body demands rest when its strength is exhausted. Artificial stimulants are deceivers. They make a man feel strong when he is weak. They produce artificial heat and will-power and an abnormal temperature; they lead to overwork, abnormal development and degenerate brains and bodies.

The cranial nerves are twelve in number on each side and originate in the brain. In addition to these we have thirty one pair of nerves branching out from the spinal column. The spinal nerves also originate in the brain, they converge at its base and form the spinal cord which passes out of the skull through an opening called the foramen magnum into and through the center of the circular spaces in the vertebrae of the spinal column.

The white fibres of the spinal cord consist of collections of nerve filaments, each of which carries on a special work in the transmission of nerve impulses to and from the brain. Each nerve arises from two roots, a motor and a sensory root. The divisions and sub-divisions from these filaments form minute plexuses and fine nerve branches which finally terminate in the muscles, skin and various organs of the body. Each of these five nerve branches consist of neurons and dendrites, by which motions and sensations are carried to and from the brain. These nerve impulses which are carried to and from the nerve centers by a mysterious energy, resemble electricity and can be studied much the same as electrical currents.