title: [Elements for a history of neuroscience].
abstract: The spectacular progress ofthe neurosciences, as well as the intense process of popularization by the media of images and information that associate cerebral activity with practically every aspect of life, have produced a growing perception of the brain as the site and agent of all the properties and actions that define us as human beings. Today's socio-cultural context has seen increased interest in 'neuroascese' that is, discourses and practices aimed at maximizing brain performance. Tracing elements of the history of'brain ascese' back to historical moments of the nineteenth century in which neuroascetic practices were commonplace, the article examines their continued use today, taking into account the social, cultural, and historical contexts in which they originated.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Medicina Social, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. fjortega2@gmail.com
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ortega
mesh_terms: D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D009488:Neurosciences / Q000266:history*