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{{Sidebar \Species

Externally, Vulcans are generally similar to a [[Humanhumanoid]]scivilization, instrumentally responsible for the chief exceptions being founding of the Vulcans[[United Federation of Planets]]. <br>They are widely known for their logical minds and stoical natures. The '''Vulcan''' notably arched and upswept eyebrows and distinguished external ear structure, [[homeworld]] is the top of which tapers into a into a clearly defined pointplanet [[Vulcan (planet)|Vulcan]].

Others share physiognomic features similar to those found in == Anatomy ==[[HumanImage:TpauENT.jpg|thumb|T'Pau, a Vulcan female, circa (2154)]]s of Asian descent[[File:Tuvok 2371. Howeverjpg|thumb|right|[[Tuvok]], most Vulcans have a vaguely Eurasian appearance.Vulcan male]]

Genetically, Vulcans and [[Human]]s are similar enough that they can produce offspring with little genetic help. Externally, Vulcans have body hair appear similar to Humans[[Human]]s, and some males can be very hirsute. Vulcan males are also capable with the chief exceptions of growing facial hair (as evidenced by Sybok notably arched and both Spock upswept eyebrows, and Soval in the mirror universe), but rarely do soears which taper into a into a clearly defined point.

Skin shades range from noticeably pale, to darker, brown skin. Vulcans with pale skin sometimes have a subtle greenish tinge, which those with a darker skin tone do not possess. Hair ranges from brown to black, with most Vulcan blood is copper-based and is copper or rust colored when deoxygenated in the veins hair being straight and green when oxygenated in the arteriesglossy. Bruises and dermal abrasions therefore take on a green colorVulcan males are not noted for their body hair, though some have been known to grow facial hair.

The Internally, Vulcan digestive tract is highly adaptable. Although alien foods, notably anatomy different greatly from [[Human]] foods. For example, will occasionally disagree with a Vulcan[[heart]] is located where a Human liver is located, given timeand said heart beats several hundred times per minute. (A [[Human]] [[heart]] beats approximately 60-100 times per minute.) Vulcan blood is copper based, their and so appears green when exposed to the air. While still in the body and deoxygenated, blood will eventually adapt appear copper or rust colored. Bruises will therefore also vary in shades of green, as opposed to the alien fooda human, who bruise in shades of red.

Having evolved on Due to [[Vulcan (planet)|their planet]] possessing a thinner atmosphere from that of [[Earth]]'s, a planet which Vulcan's respiratory system is mostly more efficient than a Human's. The desert, -like planet also allowed Vulcans have developed ways of surviving in desert conditions. For exampleto evolve hardier than other [[humanoid]]s, they and can survive for several days without water and . They also have inner eyelids which protect provide further eye protection in harsh conditions. This hardiness additionally improved the Vulcan metabolism: they are capable of surviving for long durations without food or sleep, and their eyesfast metabolism means caffeine, alcohol, and toxins have little effect on Vulcans in normal doses. It is also well-known that Vulcan ears are more sensitive than a Human's, as well as more sensitive noses. Vulcans are on average three times physically stronger than [[human]]s.

Vulcans are on average three times physically stronger than The Vulcan digestive tract is highly adaptable. Although alien foods -notably [[humanHuman]]s and are noticably more agile.[[Image:Vulcan1.jpg|thumb|An anatomy diagram of food- will occasionally disagree with a Vulcan, their body will eventually adapt to the alien food.]] 

It [[Image:Vulcan1.jpg|thumb|An anatomy diagram of a Vulcan.]]===Vulcan Brain===Arguably the most interesting aspect of the Vulcan physiology is their brain. The Vulcan brain was described by [[Leonard McCoy|Dr. McCoy]] as "a puzzle, wrapped inside an enigma, housed inside a cranium". This has some basis in fact, as the Vulcan brain is composed of many layers.   Like other [[humanoid]]s, the brain is in direct control of most of the bodily functions, acting as a control unit for many organs. <br> Despite this, a Vulcan body from which the brain has been removed is capable of functioning and even walking around (albeit in a zombie-like state) with a portable life support system.  

Vulcans have learned to gain conscious control of many autonomous functions, allowing them to regulate their bodies to a high degree by simple will power. * When injured, a Vulcan can go into a trance-like state, using this ability to concentrate all of his or her energy onto repairing the injury. * This trance can be self-induced , and give the physical appearance of near-death. It is similar  The substance "Trellium-D" acts as a neurotoxin to Vulcans, in principle, to Vulcan neuropressure techniques destroying the neural pathways which can control their emotions. * Treatment must be used to relax provided quickly after exposure, otherwise the mind and bodydamage is irreversible.

Of course, One of the most famous aspect more well-known aspects of the Vulcan brain is the inherent their [[telepathy|telepathic]] abilities, such as the Vulcan mind meld. <br>Vulcans are natural [[telepathy|touch-telepaths]]. Though , though considerable training is required to utilize this ability to the fullest (. To do this , one would be performing have to perform the "fal-tor-pan)" ceremony.* Stronger minds are capable of non-contact [[telepathy|telepathic]] projection and scanning, simpler contacts don't require any concentrationusually over short distances, training or but sometimes even conscious knowledge over interstellar distances.  Another psionic ability of the actVulcan race is the [[telepathy|telepathic]] suggestion/compulsion.  Although Vulcans do not typically allow themselves to experience uncontrolled strong emotions, they may be able to sense them in others.  

Stronger minds Besides the [[Trill]] (through the Zhian'tara ritual), Vulcans are capable of non-contact the only other known [[telepathy|telepathichumanoid]] projection and scanningcapable of performing a synaptic pattern displacement, usually over short distances, but somtimes even over interstellar distancesor the transfer of one individual's consciousness into another.

Besides Noted few Vulcans have demonstrated the ability known as [[Trilltelekinesis]], who achieve through the Zhian'tara ritual, Vulcans are the only other known . * It should be noted that [[humanoidtelekinesis]] race capable of performing a synaptic pattern displacement, or the transfer of one individual's consciousness into anotherhas only been seen by high priestesses who have trained there entire life.

One of the more misunderstood aspects of Vulcan culture is pon Pon farr. Due to their concern for personal and cultural privacy, Vulcans do not discuss this condition with outsiders unless absolutely necessary Despite popular beliefcan occur either naturally, pon farr though it is not simply a time of matingpossible to induce. It is a time of emotional abandon brought on by The chemical changes in that cause ''pon farr'' are the result of the bodyemotional suppression that Vulcans practice. Pon farr does not have The emotions suppressed produce chemical reactions necessary to end in sexual contact. Other acts that produce strong emotional responses maintain a healthy body, and without these reactions taking place an imbalance can also trigger an end to the conditionoccur. Also contrary Approximately every seven years, this accumulated imbalance causes Vulcans to popular belief, enter ''pon farr is not the only time that Vulcans mate''. Vulcans can and do mate whenever they want. Pon farr simply Females are less likely to suffer from such imbalances, as their natural menstrual cycle produces an irrepressible urge to do sothe required chemicals on a regular basis.

Doctors or counselors who examine Vulcan patients suffering from ''pon farr '' are urged to handle the situation with the utmost privacy. Any attempt to delve into the details of the patient’s condition may be met with disdain, and it is not advisable to request personal information. Most Vulcans will not admit to having entered pon farr, let alone reveal details of even to their experiencepersonal medical doctors. As there is no current treatment for the condition, monitoring the patient’s status is primary. Vulcan males will exhibit symptoms of irritability, and they can be prone to violence. They also will experience physical discomfort. The initial symptom for females is a [[telepathy|telepathic]] awareness that their bondmate has entered pon farr. They will both be driven by the need to mate, and they can become quite aggressive towards others. Isolating such patients from the rest of the crew is recommended, though that isolation can be self-imposed. The degree to which a patient will be irrational varies, and many often have the awareness to isolate themselves.

The final stages of ''pon farr'' typically only occur when the bonded pair unite. Physical contact, via a mind meld, will initiate ''plak tow'', or "blood fever." This is the most dangerous time of ''pon farr'', and the patient will not be able to think rationally. Violence and aggression become the sole motive for their existence. A physician or counselor treating a Vulcan in ''plak tow'' should observe the utmost caution. Security measures should be in place, and the patient should be isolated until such time as the ''pon farr'' can be completed. It is imperative that patients be allowed to carry through with their emotional and physical needs at this point.   The main treatment a physician or counselor can offer a patient in ''pon farr '' is to unite the patient with their bondmate , or to find a suitable partner for them. Do not recommend holodeck simulations for relief of sexual tension, as this will only embarrass the patient and cause them to distrust further advice. It will also not satisfy their needs. It is dangerous in most situations to offer combat as an option to satisfy the ''plak tow''. It is recommended that only Vulcan doctors and counselors treat patients in ''pon farr '' if possible.  

===Medical Conditions===

*[[Central nervous system afflictions#Pa'nar Syndrome|Pa'nar Syndrome]]

*[[Central nervous system afflictions#Bendii Syndrome|Bendii Syndrome]]

A common fallacy is that Vulcans are well-known for their logic and reasonhave no emotion. They Vulcans do not view the world in the same manner as other speciesexperience emotion, and one should not expect but simply choose to suppress them , instead relying on logic to do sodictate their actions. Their approach When disease or physical injury diminishes their ability to life is pragmatic. Unnecessary control their emotions and irrational concepts such as social pleasantries and material possessions have no value to Vulcansthink logically, it can be a very stressful experience. The pursuit of logic is foremostIn such instances, they can be quick to anger and they devote their entire lives prone to that idealviolence. Though they typically look down on other As Vulcans are physically stronger than most species who they see as less socially advancedand possess more intense emotions, it is not done so out of arrogance. To such a state can make them it is a scientific observation with a logical conclusionhighly dangerous. They do not see other beings Patients should be restrained and isolated, for their own protection as well as any less deserving for that of status. They simply choose to isolate themselves and their culture from outside influencesothers, finding them incompatible with the chosen goal until such time as they can once again regain control of living by pure logicthemselves.

It is a fallacy that Vulcans cannot tell a lieVulcan patients are known to resist medical treatment. They can and do lie when they see a logical reason Physicians may be required to do soorder treatment rather than suggesting it. As suchVulcans will not disobey orders directly, Vulcans though they may not be honest in revealing details of their condition. Physicians are advised to take readings instead of relying upon the patient find ways to supply circumvent them with the necessary information to make a diagnosis.

In some instances , Vulcans have the ability to heal themselves without the help of medical personnel. The Vulcan brain is more advanced than those of other [[humanoid]] species. They have the ability to control many key bodily functions, such as heart rate and respiration. When a Vulcan is severely injured, they may appear to slip into a coma when in fact they are inducing a state of suspended animation, shutting down unnecessary body functions and slowing others in an effort to concentrate on the healing process. It is dangerous to wake a Vulcan from this state. They will awaken themselves. Such a total shutdown , however , can require that the patient have help in regaining consciousness. They may make requests that seem bizarre or unusual. It is imperative that these requests be honored though, no matter how strange they may seem. If a Vulcan patient asks that you strike him repeatedly, please do so until they tell you to stop.

==Society==The government on Vulcan is a representative democracybrain also has the ability to reroute neural pathways, which occurs mostly after traumatic events. Individual political advancement The brain literally shuts off access to the area where the memory is based on meritocratic principlesstored, and the patient may have no recollection of what happened.

Vulcans are generally non-violent, but logic dictates that combat == Society ==The government on Vulcan is sometimes necessarya "representative democracy. Vulcans can and do use weapons and practice martial arts called "Tal-Shaya"*'''Representative Democracy''': a form of government where the collective decisions are achieved through methods such as elections. <br>In a representative democracy, and "Suus Mahna". Most modern Vulcans are vegetariansholders of political office make laws for those who electe them.

Development of The Vulcans do have some spiritual believes, though little is known regarding details. Polytheistic in nature, Vulcans also believe in ones "katra," best translated as a Vulcan's life "soul" and consciousness of logic begins at a young ageperson. Vulcan parents will utilize learning toolsIn rare instances, through much discipline, such as the ''pleenokskatra'', to train their infants in primary logic. Vulcan children will then learn to detach themselves can be transferred from a person while on their emotions at an early agedeath bed, into another person or a golem.

As parentsWhile generally non-violent, Vulcans never shield their children from the truthdo partake in combat for training and exercise, and have developed weapons. Doing so would only hinder their ability to cope with inevitable difficulties. A Vulcan parentTheir forms of martial arts are called ''Tal-Shaya's attachment to their children cannot be described as an emotion. They are part of the parent's identity and the parent is incomplete without them''Suus Mahna''.

IfVulcans cherish logic over anything, for whatever with honesty being paramount. They are reluctant to lie at all, but will do so if they believe there is a logical reasonbehind doing so. As parents, Vulcans rarely shield their children from the truth. Doing so, in their eyes, would only hinder the female does not wish child's ability to go through cope with the marriage, then the ceremony of "Koon-ut-kal-if-fee" ("Marriage or Challenge") is invokedinevitable difficulties. The male must fight for the right A Vulcan parent's attachment to keep his mate against a challenger of her choosingtheir children cannot be described as an emotion. The female becomes the property They are part of the male who wins parent's identity and the contest, unless he chooses to release herparent is incomplete without them.

The essence of Vulcans sometimes have mates chosen for them by their logical society is in arriving parents at the truth through logical processage of seven. Emotion The mates are joined in a ceremony that links them [[telepathy|telepathically]] that is illogical"less than a wedding, thus making more than a betrothal". When the two come of age, the link compels them impureto follow through with full marital rituals, which cement their relationship. If, for whatever reason, the female does not wish to go through with the marriage, and deterrent then the ceremony of "Koon-ut-kal-if-fee" ("Marriage or Challenge") is invoked. The male must fight for the right to truthkeep his mate against a challenger of her choosing. Vulcans are born with The female becomes the property of the male who wins the same emotions that afflicted their violent ancestorscontest, but continual mental conditioning generally gives them unless he chooses to release her.* The ''Koon-ut-kal-if-fee'' is a fight to the impassivity they seekdeath.

Development of a Vulcan's understanding of logic begins at a young age. The essence of the Vulcan logical society is in arriving at the truth through logical process. Emotion is illogical, thus making them impure, and deterrent to truth. Vulcans are born with the same emotions that afflicted their violent ancestors, but continual mental conditioning generally gives them the impassivity they seek. Vulcan parents will utilize learning tools, such as ''pleenoks'', to train their infants in primary logic. Vulcan children will then learn to detach themselves from their emotions at an early age. Though not all can arrive at the ultimate pure logical state, the exacting process of mental control gives Vulcans enough to conform to the ideals of Vulcan society. The ultimate level of logical thought is achieved through the attainment of ''kolinahr'', which is said to purge them of all remaining emotions.

Vulcans believe knowledge to be the best defense against unknown dangers, and pursue them with the intellect and logic that makes them some of the finest scholars in the [[Federation]]. Their pursuit of knowledge and impassivity of emotion are the driving forces in a Vulcan's life. It must be noted that not all Vulcans follow the path of [[Surak]] and ''kolinahr''. Some believe that knowledge and enlightenment can be gained by understanding and ''embracing'' their emotions. These Vulcans are known as "V'tosh ka'tur", or "Vulcans without Logic". They are considered a fringe element in Vulcan society.

==Culture and Tradition==*Most Vulcans were fermenting winesconsider death to be the completion of a journey. Therefore, notably Vulcan portthey do not fear it happening, during however the 21st centuryloss of one's ''Katra'' is to be avoided if possible, since the ''Katra'' lives on beyond the physical death.  Vulcans do possess family names, although they are pronounceable by [[Human]]s only after many years of practice. 

This contradicts a previous statement made by Spock in''Note: Most modern Vulcans are vegetarians, since they consider it illogical to slay animals for meat. Additionally, where he notes: "My father's race was spared the dubious benefits advancement of alcohol," when offered a glass of Saurian brandy by Dr. McCoytechnology has made it unnecessary to use animals for consumption.''

==Culture and Tradition==*Although it Vulcans have been fermenting wines as early as the [[21st century]]. <br>It has not always been sonoted that Vulcans don't drink wine, most Vulcans are vegetariansindicating that perhaps Vulcan port is for cultural purposes only, and do not touch food with their handsor perhaps is nonalcoholic.

*Guests in a Vulcan household Although it has not always been so, most Vulcans are expected to arise before sunrise to prepare the morning meal. Plomeek broth is considered a traditional Vulcan breakfastvegetarians, and do not touch food with their hands.

*Vulcans play Guests in a Vulcan household are expected to arise before sunrise to prepare the morning meal. [[Foods and beverages#Vulcan|Plomeek broth]] is considered a game traditional Vulcan breakfast. * What little is known about Vulcan religious beliefs indicates that beginning prior to the "Time of the Awakening" they were polytheistic. <br>[[Surak|Surak's]] teachings became the primary focus of Vulcan spirituality/mysticism, but as late as kal-tohthe [[23rd century]] it was still not unheard of to find Vulcans honoring the traditional gods. <br>There are no demons in Vulcan literature.

In an effort to avoid this fate, a Vulcan named Another group that rejected Surak developed a new 's philosophy thereby igniting was known as the Time of Awakening"V'tosh ka'tur" or "Vulcans without Logic". Surak maintained that the root cause of all the problems on Vulcan lay <br>The V'tosh Ka'tur believed in the uncontrolled outpouring of the people's controlling emotions. His followers swore by allowing themselves to live their lives by an ethical system devised by Surak and based purely on logical principlesactively experience them rather than surprising them. All expression Many of emotionsthese also left Vulcan, negative or positive, was completely forbiddenand took up a nomadic existence.

EventuallyThe Vulcans were one of the first of the current powers to develop warp drive, however, those who opposed logic left Vulcan though a century would pass between the first warp flight and founded colonies elsewhere - most notably on the planet Romulusbreaking of the Warp 2 barrier. The Vulcans conducted a series of survey missions to the [[Sol system]], where they founded what eventually became the as early as [[Romulan Star Empire1957]]. At some point in historyThe official first contact between Vulcans and [[Human]]s came on April 5, [[2063]] when a Vulcan survey ship detected the warp flight of [[RomulanZefram Cochrane]]'s and [[Phoenix]]. The Vulcans met with Cochrane at his launch site on the day following the flight. * The Vulcans engaged in a 100 year long war against one anotherbegan to advise Earth officials on how to proceed into the galaxy. <br>The war was instigated by the actions of a member of the Vulcan High Command considered [[Q|Q ContinuumHuman]]s volatile, and similar to Vulcans before the Time of Awakening.<br> Due to this belief, they attempted to slow down humanity's move into the galaxy until the time was right.

The Vulcans were one of By the first of the current powers to develop warp drive, though a [[21st century would pass between the first warp flight |21st]] and [[22nd century|22nd centuries]], the breaking of the Warp 2 barrier. The Vulcans conducted a series of survey missions to would have also made contact with the Sol system[[Cardassian]]s, as early as 1957[[Trill]], [[Tholian]]s, [[Klingon]]s, and scores of other races.

The In contrast to their tradition of peaceful exploration, the Vulcans eventually became Earth's "big brother" in have also had a way, advising Earth officials on how to proceed into long history of border skirmishes with the galaxyneighboring [[Andorian]]s. <br>The Vulcan High Command considered [[HumanHumans]]s volatile and similar to Vulcans before helped negotiate a peace between the Time of Awakeningtwo over a disputed Class D planetoid, and so attempted known to slow down humanitythe Vulcans as ''Paan Mokar''s move into the galaxy until the time was right.

In contrast to their tradition the [[22nd century]], the Vulcan High Command, once in charge only of peaceful space explorationand planetary defense, gained much more control over civilian affairs.<br> Under the Vulcans have also had a long history of border skirmishes with High Command's leadership, Vulcan policy toward other planets became more aggressive and interventionist, using the neighboring ancient monastery at P'Jem to spy on [[Andorian]]s. The [[Humans]] helped negotiate a peace between the two over the disputed Class D planetoid, known to the Vulcans as Paan Mokaractivities.

Vulcan also became less tolerant of political and philosophical challenges towards the High Command's operations, notably engaging in purges of the Syrrannite group, who claimed that Vulcan society was no longer following the teachings of Surak. These tensions came to a head in the crisis called the Vulcan Reformation, which resulted in the overthrow of the High Command (and its leader, V'Las) and a restructuring of the Vulcan government under . One of the leadership first acts of Kuvak and T'Pau. (Although it was not known at the time, V'Las new government was secretly allied with to end the policy of holding back [[Romulanhuman]]sexpansion into the galaxy.)

As of the [[23rd century]], Vulcan had never been conquered in its collective memory. That memory goes so far back that Vulcans can't conceive of a conqueror.

TodayPresent day, Vulcan remains one of the principal [[Federation]] members, and is deeply involved in all levels of that society. Their tradition of exploration has continued; : in the 24th Century, a Vulcan ship was the first to make formal contact with a [[Gamma Quadrant]] civilization, upon encountering the [[Wadi]]. They were at the forefront of exploration in the [[Gamma Quadrant]], encountering the [[Rakhari]] and finding the remains of the [[Hur'q]] civilization.

In Despite the 24th century, enmity between the Vulcan ministry [[United Federation of security was known as Planets|Federation]] and the [[Romulan Star Empire]], some Vulcans have been attempting to forge a more cordial relationship with their genetic cousins, ultimately hoping to reunify the V'Shartwo cultures. So far these efforts have met with little success.

 }}In the [[24th century]], the Vulcan ministry of security was known as the ''V'Shar''.