ib@apolling (Ivan N. Bach) (09/02/89)
Several people have pointed out that some neural connections in a human brain
seem random and unstructured. I think that we should distinguish between the form
and function. If a particular set of neural connections performs a certain function
correctly, it does not matter whether axons and dendrites in that subnetwork are
nicely arranged into regular patterns of parallel connections. As any hardware
hacker can tell you, you can design extremely messy prototypes of new electronic
circuits which perform specified functions. Once you debug a new circuit, you
usually prepare a neat printed-circuit board layout with vertical and horizontal
connections which meet at right angles, but these changes do not affect the basic
function of the new circuit.
Electronic engineers usually prepare a schematic diagram of a new circuit
which does not have any physical dimensions. It just shows how different circuit
components must be connected to perform the specified function. I think that
physiologists should try to deduce the functions of subnetworks in the human
brain, and maybe produce schematic diagrams of those subnetworks. In other
words, they should try to separate the essential elements of the subnetwork and
eliminate non-essential elements, such as, for example, the color of individual
tissues. Once we have such diagrams, we can try to design artificial subnetworks
that will perform the same functions faster, better, cheaper, etc.