Bibliograph

The tale of the duelling neurosurgeons, the history of the human brain as revealed by true stories of trauma, madness, and recovery, Sam Kean

Type

Label

The tale of the duelling neurosurgeons, the history of the human brain as revealed by true stories of trauma, madness, and recovery, Sam Kean

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references and index

Illustrations

illustrations

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

The tale of the duelling neurosurgeons

Responsibility statement

Sam Kean

Sub title

the history of the human brain as revealed by true stories of trauma, madness, and recovery

Summary

For centuries, scientists had only one way to study the brain: wait for misfortune to strike - strokes, seizures, infections, lobotomies, horrendous accidents, phantom limbs, Siamese twins - and see how the victims changed afterwards. In many cases their survival was miraculous, and observers marvelled at the transformations that took place when different parts of the brain were destroyed. Parents suddenly couldn't recognise their children. Pillars of the community became pathological liars and paedophiles. Some people couldn't speak but could still sing. Others couldn't read but could write. The stories of these people laid the foundations of modern neuroscience and, century by century, key cases taught scientists what every last region of the brain did. With lucid explanations and incisive wit, Sam Kean explores the brain's secret passageways and recounts the forgotten tales of the ordinary individuals whose struggles, resilience and deep humanity made neuroscience possible

Target audience

adult

Classification