Imperial Valley press., 1936-09-13

More than even that - animals whose opera
tion had completely destroyed their memory of
tricks could be retaught!
Scientists had considered that defects caused
by a partial destruction Of the brain were per-
manent, but these experiments Indicated this
was not always true. damaged brain. Of ami
mails or humans, could be re-educated!
DR.. Franz made his first human test with
young soldier 80 years old who was paralyzed
on one side of his body, condition which had
lasted six years. Something had happened to the
brain area controlling the movement Of one leg
and arm No voluntary action Of these limbs
was possible.
Three months Of exercises and massage
showed no change. Then the patients arm be-
gan to move. Soon after his leg responded. and
before long he was playing football and base
ball. At first his movements were clumsy. but
steadily full control Of his body returned. His
damaged brain had been re-educated the
perfect areas had taken over the job Of the
destroyed areas!
The same process of re-education was applied
TO other patients, with equally satisfactory
results.
TODAY the case of paralyzed patient is not
hopeless.
In many instances he can be re-educated, and
learn to use his limbs which have been unused
for many years. Time. energy. patience, and
understanding required to obtain results,
and these are now obtainabe in scientists who
base their treatments upon the work Of DR..
Franz.
His experiments were brought to an end by
his death In 1882, from an infection which it
beyond the power Of medical science to
conquer; but his works live on, helping thou
sands who had given up hope Of an active,
useful life
Before he passed away he demonstrated that
similar treatment could re-educate the brains
of patients suffering from aphasia caused
by the destruction of the area of the brain
controlling the and understanding Of Ian
guage.
person afflicted is cut off from the world
as if by a wall, through which he can see but
cannot take or give messages
DR.. Franz treated a Kentucky mountaineer
whose only expressions were "Ou-ee." "Of
again. on again, Finnegan." and an ability to
swear. Another patient had vocabulary con-
sisting of the phrases, Goodbye" and 20 Dearn
For these men Dr. Franz chose kindergarten
regime based on that used for young children.
Objects such as bottles cups, dishes. were
shown to the patient every day, and the name
of the object was spoken. The patients initiated
the sounds This system was used with colored
cards. until different colors were learned Then
the patients were taught the alphabet to read
and write.
DR.. Franz's experiments with the human brain
nave uileIeSIeu uoI only neulCdl SClentlSIS, out
metaphysicians. spiritualists and other groups
whose attitude toward the human brain is at
variance with the medical profession.
CTUDENTS of metaphysics believe that In
y telligence and the functions of the body do
not concentrate in certain portions of the human
brain, but are merely evidence Of a higher law
to which they give expression. They explain
the Substitution Of brain control Of certain
faculties" which takes place in certain areas by
the assertion that the ability to think and act
and live is not dependent upon the human brain
or its condition; that life and bodily movement
is controlled not by human brain cells, but by
superior Intelligence
IF parts of the brain are removed that sup
posedly control leg, and the leg again 'func-
tions - how can you prove that the brain con-
trolled it in the first placer"
The final answer to these opposing ideas re-
mains matter of personal opinion and expert
ence, until some distant time when the un-
answerable truth Is revealed. Meanwhile, Dr.
Franz's experiments bear fruit, and have opened
a tremendously interesting field in the study of.
what is still the most mysterious element of
man, the human brain.