Mind and body : the theories of their relation / by Alexander Bain.

  • Alexander Bain
Date:
1900
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Mind and body : the theories of their relation / by Alexander Bain. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    13/218 page 3
    modes of operation may be so different as to throw no light on each other. No great laws may be traceable on either side, or the laws may be couched in such heterogeneous terms that we can make no comparison of the two. A pleasure and a nervous current are found to arise simultaneously; but the concurrence (we may suppose) signifies nothing, suggests nothing. There is something to be gained by connecting pleasure with a repast, a concert, or a holiday; but the mention of nerve currents gives no information of a practical kind, and does not add to our knowledge of the laws of pleasure. Fourthly. While allowing it to be possible that a thorough understanding of the brain would contribute to a knowledge of the mind, one might deny that any- thing yet known, or in immediate prospect of being known, is of value in that way. Thus the obtrusion of physiology at the present stage would be superfluous and impotent. Fifthly. The position may be taken that a knowledge of the bodily workings has already improved our know- ledge of the mental workings, and, as we continue our researches, will do so more and more. Which of these suppositions is the truth could be seen only after examining the actual state of the case. On a theme so peculiar and so difficult, the only surmise admissible beforehand would be, that the two distinct natures could not subsist in their present intimate alliance, and yet be wholly indifferent to one another; B 2
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