If you take a normal television and check the reception--- things look good. Now, shut off the TV, take a pair of pliers and start bending the antenna out of shape. Try turning it in a different direction and give it a good smacking afterwards. Turn on the TV.
Well, we see that one particular channel is working, but the rest are fuzzy--my picture is now degraded. At no time do we believe that the other channels are gone--they're still there. We are merely not receiving them well any more.
Grey Matter
There are many cases of people suffering damage to the brain. In most cases, the victim can lose motor control, slurring of speech, behavioral changes and yes, in some cases loss of memory. The most remarkable cases are where people have entire hemispheres of their brain removed, yet still have their memories intact. There are many cases of severe epileptics undergoing this surgery and although they may not be able to speak afterwards or have difficulty walking, their knowledge remains intact.
My dear Grandfather, Jim Smith, suffered from Alzheimer's. His memories of the past are quite good; he wouldn't remember however, if he just had lunch just thirty minutes ago. Alzheimer's slowly deteriorates the brain and is usually diagnosed when patients complain of memory loss. In his case, it's the short-term memory that is most fleeting.
If the entirety of man's knowledge is stored in the brain, and a disease is slowly eroding away your brain tissue, wouldn't it affect both types of memories simultaneously?
He has his good days as well as the bad. When the planets are aligned and the wind blows just right, he can go on forever about his pet cow named Blacky and the maiden name of his grandmother.
The Brain: Does size matter?
Does having a larger brain allow someone to be smarter? What is the most intelligent species on the planet second to human beings?
Many scientists exclaim that the dolphin has a brain similar in size to human beings and therefore, must be of similar intellect. Their argument states that dolphins lack the tools to manipulate their environment such as the opposable thumb. No fingers, no diploma.
Yet science will not recognize the lowly ant as being a genius when they construct entire cities, hierarchies and even force other insect species into servitude. Instead, they point a finger towards the mammal that plays in the oceans, eats and procreates. Apparently, the ant is not playful enough.
