Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 253, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 October 1913 — CHILD WITHOUT A FOREBRAIN [ARTICLE]

CHILD WITHOUT A FOREBRAIN

German Doctors Interested in Case of Baby Which Lived for Nearly Four Years. Berlin. —The German medical press records the remarkable case of a child which lived for nearly four years without any trace of a forebrain. Neurologists explain that the case demonstrates the absolute dependence of human being on the fore or sentient brain, and shows that a human cannot carry on the ordinary processes necessary for his preservation without it. The fish or frog without the forebrain has greater capability than had the child ln question. This child revealed no trace whatever of this vital brain section, so Its nervous system was absolutely similar to that of a fish, though the latter is capable of performing - all the vital functions necessary for nutrition and self-defense. * The case of the child is especially noteworthy because of the long duration of life. Jn other cases the brain-

less life l&Bted only for a few days, and the movements of the child did not differ ln any respect from those of a normal child. In the case under discussion the child lived 3% years, permitting numerous extensive observations of its state. The child remained ln a condition of continual sleep. Its arms were flexed and rigid. It was unable to grasp or hold anything with its hands. ’ From the second year onward the child cried Incessantly, though this could Instantly be stopped by mere pressure, especially on the head. It was impossible to note any psychical action, to awaken any feelings, or to teach the child anything. - ,'