[Franz Joseph Gall and his "talking skulls" established the basis of modern brain sciences].
The anatomist and brain scientist Franz Joseph Gall (1758-1828) developed the "phrenology" in the early 19(th) century. At this time, his new teachings were more seen as a temporary fashion than science and were discredited. No more than hundred years ago, it was realised that the phrenology established the basis of modern brain sciences. By all means Gall was the first one to combine defined regions of the cerebral cortex with distinct cognitive functions.
Wolfgang
Regal
R
Abteilung für Anästhesie und operative Intensivmedizin, Sozialmedizinisches Zentrum Süd - Kaiser Franz Josef-Spital, Wien, Austria. wolfgang.regal@wienkav.at
Michael
Nanut
N
D001317:Austria; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D009488:Neurosciences / Q000266:history*; D010792:Phrenology / Q000266:history*