Page:Ralcy H. Bell - The Mystery of Words (1924).pdf/68

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Faculty of Speech and Speech-Centers

centers in both hemispheres the person would be considerably fortified against the possible aphasias in later life, caused by traumatism and disease.

It would be interesting, but not to the point, to compare the theories which try to elucidate the process by which the hand, for example, obeys its motor-center in the brain. The fact that it does obey that center is enough for present purposes.

The speech-center of Broca’s convolution, for instance, is of the brain itself. What then is the physiology of its function? Why is one of Broca’s convolutions dumb through life, and why does the other speak? To say that words are of automatic origin does not explain the function of speech. If it can be shown, however, that secondary anatomical changes are purposely, albeit subconsciously, wrought in certain areas of brain substance, then the mystery may be penetrated a little way farther.

The sounds of words may be imitated auto-

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