Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1937-05-20

Dome-like foreheads may mark mans
next step forward in evolution.
This is the prediction Of DR.. Fred
erick Tilney, professor of neurology at
Columbia University. 1t will come from
the increasing size, generation after
generation, OF the frontal lobe of the
brain-the latest and most human thing
in the story of evolution.
All the brains progress from the
earliest fishes, DR.. Tilney says, points
in this direction, and the trend may
be speeded and exaggerated by the
stresses of civilization. 1t is this part
of the brain, DR.. Tlney pointed out,
where is centered the capacity for de-
layed reaction, which may be synony-
nous with thinking, that is mans chief
differentiating characteristic.
Said DR.. Tilney: "Snce early begin
nings man has grown in humanity as
his brain has expanded, and his fore
head has risen above his eyes. Inc
brain area in which the greatest de-
velopment has occurred is the frontal
lobe. Its progressive growth since 1t
made its first appearance gives an
accurate impression Of the manner IN
which the brain has responded to the
increasing demands made upon 1T. There
are no indications that these demands
will decrease in their urgency as time
goes on.
"This fact seems to point in hopeful
direction. It seems equally certain that
upon the average only a relatively small
fraction of the human brain is at pres
ent utilized to the most effective ad-
vantage in the interest OF humanity.
This condition seems to mean that the
power is in our hands to BRING INTO
play much more of the brains potential
energy than we have yet developed. IN
addition to these considerations, the
human cerebrum may still be looked
upon as in its early youth. BY most OF
us it is regarded as a finished product,
but it's long prehistoric record as we
know it today does not support this
point Of view.
1.-THE picture Of almost uninterrupted
human progress Is inspiring. How
readily 1t has been taken at its face
value by the most gullible OF living
animals, homo sapiens. Man has been
too deeply engrossed in his ancient
glories and modern prof1ciencies to
take a good look at himself. No longer
than a quarter of a century ago there
were reasons for the Caucasian's pride
and self-assurance. Peace existed be-
tween the nations. Success filled every
walk of life. Social order rested first
upon moral foundations. This was
human establishment upon which to
rely.
But ultimately this record OF the
white man brings us to fateful Mid
summer afternoon in August, 1914. The
race has been the victim OF many SELF
inflicted catastrophes. Thus far 1t has
always managed to come back and go
forward again. Where 1t has stood
still Is in the manifest control over
human nature.
This long record makes 1t appear
likely that the brain of modern man Is
only some intermediate stage IN the
ultimate development of the master
organ of life. Furthermore, all the
evidence which is available from the
long primate and mammalian history OF
the brain conveys the strong impression
that the evolutionary process has not
come to an end with modern man as
its eliminating phase"
Changes through which the brain has
passed, DR.. Tilney said, have been the
result Of structural notifications begin
ming in the fish. The formation Of the
cerebral cortex has an antiquity in tho
uid-hrain which goes back to tho ear-