title: The Cartesian clock metaphor for pineal gland operation pervades the origin of modern chronobiology.
abstract: In theoretical descriptions formulated during the 1600s, R. Descartes attributed a clock-like role to the pineal gland. He established the belief that pineal function underlies the laws of the universe that determine the cyclic sleep-awake states in man. Recent reports about pineal circadian pacemakers now validate the brilliant accuracy of Cartesian thought, in relation to the relevant role of the pineal gland.
authors.affiliation: Dpto. de Fisiologia, Facultad de Medicina UNAM, Mexico, D.F., Mexico.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Barrera-Mera
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Barrera-Calva
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001683:Biological Clocks / Q000502:physiology*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D019365:Metaphor; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000502:physiology*