Overview

For a century, the neuron doctrine has been the basis for our concepts of nervous organization and brain function. Formulated in 1891 by Wilhelm Waldeyer, it stated that the cell theory applies to the nervous system. Santiago Ramon y Cajal, Spain's greatest scientist, was its main architect; his main tool was a capricious nerve cell stain discovered by Camillo Golgi. This book reviews the original papers on which the neuron doctrine was based, showing that the evidence came from a much wider base of contributions than is generally realized, including such diverse and brilliant personalities as Albrecht Kolliker, Sigmund Freud, Wilhelm His, August Forel, Fritdjof Nansen and Gustav Retzius. Furthermore, many questions about terminology of the parts of the neuron and about the organization of neurons into reflex pathways and networks were raised and debated, questions that remain relevant to this day. Electron microscopical studies in the 1950s appeared to confirm the classical doctrine, but subsequent studies have revealed complexities that were not anticipated. This book reviews these new studies against the background of the classical work, and suggests some new directions for revising our concept of the neuron as a basis for the functional organization of the nervous system.

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9780195064919

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The excerpts from original articles and Shepherd's scholarly comment give a balanced and orderly history of the evidence for the neuron doctrine from the earliest discoveries to its final triumph in the hands of the Spanish histologist Ramon y Cajal. Shepherd's treatment of the reticular theorists is particularly helpful. The book is of interest and importance for anyone interested in the history of the nervous system. The book is essential for every library which covers the history of biology or medicine, and a pleasure for those of us interested in the nervous system. Mitchell Glickstein, University College, London, Medical History, 1992, 37

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