The Tale of the Duelling Neurosurgeons: The History of the Human Brain as Revealed by True Stories of Trauma, Madness, and Recovery
Jul 2014 · Random House
4.7star
6 reviewsreport
Ebook
496
Pages
family_home
Eligible
info
reportRatings and reviews aren’t verified Learn More
About this ebook
For centuries, scientists had only one way to study the brain: wait for misfortune to strike - strokes, seizures, infections, lobotomies, horrendous accidents, phantom limbs, Siamese twins - and see how the victims changed afterwards. In many cases their survival was miraculous, and observers marvelled at the transformations that took place when different parts of the brain were destroyed. Parents suddenly couldn't recognise their children. Pillars of the community became pathological liars and paedophiles. Some people couldn't speak but could still sing. Others couldn't read but could write.
The stories of these people laid the foundations of modern neuroscience and, century by century, key cases taught scientists what every last region of the brain did. With lucid explanations and incisive wit, Sam Kean explores the brain's secret passageways and recounts the forgotten tales of the ordinary individuals whose struggles, resilience and deep humanity made neuroscience possible.
The stories of these people laid the foundations of modern neuroscience and, century by century, key cases taught scientists what every last region of the brain did. With lucid explanations and incisive wit, Sam Kean explores the brain's secret passageways and recounts the forgotten tales of the ordinary individuals whose struggles, resilience and deep humanity made neuroscience possible.
Ratings and reviews
4.7
6 reviews
Adrian Toh
- Flag inappropriate
September 30, 2018
There's two things I liked most about the book: (1) The author's witty style, and {2} The brilliant, insightful neuroscience. Instead of simply pouring dry facts, Mr Kean entertained with moving and endearing anecdotes. This is the best science-based book I've read this year. I'm not a medical professional, but I was enthralled by the book and learned a bit about neuroscience along the way.
1 person found this review helpful
Summiya Shaik
- Flag inappropriate
March 25, 2023
very nicee
About the author
Sam Kean is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The Disappearing Spoon and The Violinist's Thumb. His writing has appeared in the New York Times magazine, Mental Floss, Slate and New Scientist. The Disappearing Spoon was shortlisted for the Royal Society Winton Prize for science writing.
Rate this ebook
Tell us what you think.
Reading information
Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
