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KMID : 1160420200020010001
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Epilia: Epilepsy Commun
2020 Volume.2 No. 1 p.1 ~ p.7
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The History of Neuroscience 2: From the Roman Empire to the Renaissance
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Lee Sang-Kun
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Abstract
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As a renowned physician of the Roman Empire, Galen produced many great works on the anatomy of the nervous system. He discovered cranial nerves, spinal cords, peripheral nerves, and the autonomic nervous system after observing similar anatomies in his vivisection of animals. He attempted to localize the human psyche. He also conducted several experiments to verify the function of the nervous system, the results of which have had a tremendous impact on modern medicine. Medical theories based on Galen’s work, including erroneous ones, outlived the man and lasted beyond the Renaissance period. New neuroanatomical or psychological progress was nearly halted and many previous works were lost for more than 1200 years of Dark Ages following the death of Galen. However some of Galen’s works were preserved at this time as well especially by Islamic societies. The return of these manuscripts to Western World revived the interest in the field of neuroanatomy. The most recognized product of this scenario was Leonardo da Vinci, whose famous works include many detailed figures describing the human body and the nervous system. The re-popularization of human dissections led to the first printed anatomical text by Berengario. Andreas Vesalius, the great anatomist from the Renaissance, published the landmark work, ‘De humani corporis fabrica’, which was based on extensive human dissections. In this book he corrected many of Galen’s errors. He furthered the field of neuroanatomy with an open mind on the basis of previous achievements made by previous pioneers.
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KEYWORD
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History, Neuroanatomy, Rome, Middle age, Renaissance
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FullTexts / Linksout information
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Listed journal information
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