title: A Dickensian origin for Sherrington's enchanted loom?
abstract: Sherrington's image of the mind-brain as an 'enchanted loom' has intrigued scientists for decades. Its origin, however, has been unclear. Here, we make a new suggestion as to where it may have come from. The article sheds light on the connections between literary and scientific similes and metaphors.
authors.affiliation: J O'Brien, University of Worcester, Institute of Health and Society, Henwick Grove, Worcester WR2 6AJ, UK. Email j.obrien@worc.ac.uk.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Bracewell
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain; D005197:Famous Persons; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008093:Literature, Modern / Q000266:history*; D008606:Mental Processes; D019365:Metaphor; D009488:Neurosciences / Q000266:history*
keywords: Sherrington; history; literature; neuroscience