The Structure and Functions of the Brain and Spinal Cord: Being the Fullerian Lectures for 1891 (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

Victor Horsley

 
9781330451397: The Structure and Functions of the Brain and Spinal Cord: Being the Fullerian Lectures for 1891 (Classic Reprint)

Synopsis

This book provides a historical journey through the development of our understanding of the structure and functions of the nervous system. The author begins with the ancient Greeks, who believed the soul resided in the heart, and traces advancements through the centuries, showcasing the work of Galen, who in the second century A.D. discovered the nerves as separate tissues and the role of the brain. The book continues through the Middle Ages, where development was stifled by religious dogma, through to the Renaissance and the discoveries by Mondini and Willis, who laid the foundations for modern neurology. The author then focuses on the 19th and 20th centuries, discussing the work of Sir Charles Bell, Fritsch and Hitzig, and others, culminating in the contemporary understanding of the localization of function in the brain. Throughout, the author emphasizes the importance of experimental research and the need for caution in interpreting observations, providing a clear and engaging account of this fascinating field.

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