New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-12-12
WOMEy'S BRAIN POWER.
THE TEST OF RELATIVE SIZE OF BRAIN CON-.
PARED WITH MANS PRONOUNCED
WORTHLESS
WORTHLESS.

WORTHLESS
From The New-York Medical Record.
Sir William Turner. at the meeting OF tho
British Medical Association at Montreal, once
| again brought forward the old assertion that
because the brain of a man weighs absolutely
more than that Of a woman, therefore a man Is
possessed of a greater amount OF brain power
than is woman. This theory until recent times
was all sides conceded to be true, and was
regarded a convincing proof Of woman's in
tellectual infcriority
The Russian Professor Darkcheytch took up
the cudges In defence OF the weaker sex, and
demonstrated to the satisfaction of the majority
that the fact OF a mans brain weighing slightly
more than a woman's worthless testi-
mony OF his superior intellectual capacity Pro-
fessor Darkchevitch contends from the result
of his researches that the sexes regards brain
power are on an equality, and backs up the ar
gument in support of his theory with many con-
vincing illustrations. For instance, Skobeefrs
brain weighed less than that of forty indvid-
ual common soldiers; yet no one would dream
for this reason OF making the assertion That
these men were the superior Of Skobeleff In
ability Liebigs brain also was under the aver
age weight.
The opinions on this matter are diverse and
various. large number of persons still hold to
the views OF Sir William Turner. and with him
conscientiously believe that the lesser weight or
womans brain implies in itself the possession OF
less mental power On the other hand, many
side with Darkchevitch and say that her cumu-
lative and retentive powers are fully equal to
those OF a man. The question may here be
asked Has woman's intellectual inferiority ever
been clearly proved? That it has been Is prob
ably the opinion of most persons. From an
anatomical and physiological point of view. Also
she Is by many authorities reegated to posi-
ton lower than that occupied by man. The sup
pCrters of the theory OF womans intellectual in
feriority point out too. with triumph that in
scarcely any branch of science, art or literature
has she ever reached quite the front rank.
This Is all true enough but II must at least
he granted that the cause for a part OF her fall
ure should be put down to her comparative lack
of opportunity. and the fact should be taken
into consideration that up to the present time.
from the conditions II her life. she has been
heavily handicapped in the race for fame. May
not also the difference In the brains Of men and
women be looked for not so much in the pom
derosty as in the quality? womans brain
from the nature OF things Is to certain extent
of another type. The natural role OF woman
differs widely from that OF man, and she Is
provided with or has evolved brains suited to her
situation. Nevertheless in these times it often
happens that a woman from the stress OF cir
cumstances is prevented from fulfilling her natu-
raj mission and Is compelled TO compete with
men. She has shown her capability successfully
to do so. but In the action must necessarily lose
many of her feminine characteristics. The wfsest
course to take will perhaps be to leave the final
settlement OF the question in allegiance until the
evolution OF the new woman has been moro
fully accomplished