BASE OF THE BRAIN

The illustration opposite shows some of the Lobes of the Cerebrum, the Cerebellum, the Medulla Oblongata, and certain Arteries of the brain.

The large arteries that distribute blood to all parts of the brain unite and form an irregular ring, known as the "Circle of Willis" (See center of figure). A rupture of a branch of any of these arteries causes apoplexy or cerebral hemorrhage, with the production of a clot on, or in the substance of, the brain.

The Internal Carotid Arteries, which ascend along the side of the neck, divide to form the Middle Cerebral, the Anterior Cerebral, and the Posterior Communicating Arteries. In the illustration the carotid arteries are shown severed at the point where they reach the brain.

Some of the cranial nerves are shown cut off as they leave the brain, the stumps being numbered on the right-hand side of the figure.

The medulla oblongata is that part of the brain which is continuous with the spinal cord; it is united with the rest of the brain by the Pons Varolii.

A cerebral hemorrhage may cause a rupture of brain fibers, or pressure upon the nucleus of a cranial nerve and cause paralysis. The Olfactory Nerves convey the sense of smell; the Optic Nerves, that of sight.

by another person. Swallowing a little Jamaica ginger in water will sometimes afford relief. The use of an emetic or cathartic, or both, is indicated if there is indigestion. In the cases which resist these simple measures, it will be necessary to procure medical aid. Twenty drops of Hoffman's anodyne in a tablespoonful of water will often prove successful, and may be repeated every hour, if necessary, for three doses.

SLEEPLESSNESS; INSOMNIA; WAKEFULNESS.-Natural sleep is due to fatigue associated with a comparatively bloodless condition of the brain, and favored by withdrawing sources of excitement from the brain, such as noises, light, etc.

The causes of sleeplessness are without number, as it is often merely a symptom of an unnatural state, and yet the only reasonable treatment consists in removing the cause in order to remedy the disorder.

Among the most frequent causes are: brain work associated with worry, noise, some sort of pain or irritation produced by indigestion and a great variety of troubles, as nervousness, due to tea or coffee or alcoholic drinking, nervous exhaustion, chronic constipation, eyestrain, skin diseases, disorders of the brain, coughing; drug habits, as the use of opium and cocaine, diseases of the heart and kidneys, and acute inflammations and injuries of all kinds. High altitudes and change in the hour for the principal meal, together with irregular times for sleeping, invite in

somnia. In infants, disorders of digestion, as colic, constipation, pain, too much sleep during the day or too early bedtime, too hearty supper or hunger, excitement in play before bedtime, absence of sufficient fresh air by day or night, overwarm covering or room, noises, bright light, cold feet, or fatigue-all these are common factors in insomnia.

Treatment.-Correct the cause if possible. It will often require a physician, however, to do this. Among the simpler remedies are the following: a warm, not hot, bath before bedtime with a cold cloth on the head will often procure sleep, particularly if there is heat of head with a tendency toward flushing of the face. The room should be cooler than by day (58° to 60° F. or lower), except in the case of young infants and old persons; an exceedingly cold room favors sleeplessness, however. Some hot drink before retiring is often useful in aiding sleep, as hot milk or malted milk, hot soup or hot toddy (for the aged), or a glass of beer. When sleeplessness threatens, the mind must be diverted from the idea that one will not sleep. Reading a light book in bed, or performing movements, such as deep breathing, or counting, are sometimes efficacious in diverting the mind from the haunting fear of insomnia. Wakefulness during the middle of the night may be combated by a glass of hot water, or one of the other drinks mentioned. Exercise out of doors and change in the activities from brain work to sports are frequently advantageous. Since insom