Chapter 14: landmarks of surgical neurology and the interplay of disciplines.
The specialty of surgical neurology developed out of general surgery in the second half of the 19th century. It was aided by the development of general anesthetics, the advent of aseptic methods, and the emerging theory of cortical localization of function. This chapter examines the history of "modern" brain surgery, the leaders in this pursuit, and the landmarks that changed when and how these surgeries were conducted. It is stressed that the surgeries conducted by Broca, Macewen, Godlee, Horsley and others not only saved lives and ultimately created a new field, but also contributed to the basic sciences, fostering an improved understanding of the functional organization of the brain.
Finger
Stanley
S
Department of Psychology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130-4899, USA. sfinger@wustl.edu
Stone
James L
JL
D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000266:history / Q000601:surgery*; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D009462:Neurology / Q000193:education / Q000266:history*; D009493:Neurosurgery / Q000266:history*