A History of Nerve Functions From Animal Spirits to Molecular Mechanisms [Hardcover]

Complete history of nerve cell function from the ancient Greeks to our present knowledge.This fascinating history describes how our understanding of nerve cell function has developed, from the ancient Greeks though to our present understanding of the molecular mechanisms of neuronal function. Sidney Ochs begins with a chronological look at the history of nerves from the 5th Century B.C. to the early 18th century. He then adopts a thematic approach, carrying key topics from the 18th century to the present. A History of Nerve Functions will serve as an invaluable resource for historians of neuroscience and medicine, philosophers of science and medicine, as well as for neuroscientists.This fascinating history describes how our understanding of nerve cell function has developed, from the ancient Greeks though to our present understanding of the molecular mechanisms of neuronal function. Sidney Ochs begins with a chronological look at the history of nerves from the 5th Century B.C. to the early 18th century. He then adopts a thematic approach, carrying key topics from the 18th century to the present. A History of Nerve Functions will serve as an invaluable resource for historians of neuroscience and medicine, philosophers of science and medicine, as well as for neuroscientists.Sidney Ochs begins his survey with a chronological look at the history of nerves from the fifth century B.C. to the early eighteenth century to demonstrate the development of our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of neuronal function. Ochs then adopts a thematic approach, considering key topics from the eighteenth century to the present. The volume will serve as an invaluable resource for historians of neuroscience and medicine, philosophers of science and medicine, and neuroscientists.1. Introduction: Greek science and the recognition of nerves' function; 2. Galen's physiology of the nervous system; 3. Nerve, brain, and soul in the Middle Ages; 4. Renaissance and the New Physiology; 5. New phylƒ-