A History of Neurophysiology in the 17th and 18th Centuries: From Concept to Experiment

This volume documents the early development of the rational science of neurophysiology. The author traces the evolution of modern scientific thought from its roots in the concepts of philosophers and illustrates the experimental methods pursued by outstanding scientists. Drawing on a wealth of historical material from libraries and museums throughout the world, the book highlights two major themes: the movement from untested concepts to inductive logic and experiment; and the movement away from vitalism as the central explanation of brain function.