Full Idea
I think there are only two good reasons why, when you make a mind, the materials matter: speed, and the ubiquity of transducers and effectors throughout the nervous system.
Clarification
These will add and change information
Gist of Idea
The materials for a mind only matter because of speed, and a need for transducers and effectors
Source
Daniel C. Dennett (Kinds of Minds [1996], Ch.3)
Book Reference
Dennett,Daniel C.: 'Kinds of Minds' [Phoenix 1997], p.100
A Reaction
This sounds roughly right, because it gives you something between multiple realisability (minds made of cans and string), and type-type identity (minds ARE a particular material). Call it 'biological functionalism'?