The newborn infant gives no evidence that his cerebral hemispheres are functioning, and some writers have likened the infant at this stage to the reflex animal. Two cases recently observed showed that infants without cerebral hemispheres can, in fact, perform nearly all of the activities usually regarded as normal for this period.
REPORT OF CASES
Case 1.—B. C. S., an infant girl, was the first child of a 23 year old mother. The infant was born at term, the delivery being complicated by a persistent occiput right transverse position, necessitating rotation (Kielland forceps). The weight at birth was 8 pounds 7 ounces (3,840 Gm.). At delivery it was noted that the head was large, that it was considerably molded and that a large caput succedaneum was present over the occipital region, further accentuating the appearance of molding. The child breathed and cried almost at once. Body measurements were as follows: