TITLE
A Deep Dive Into the Brain, Hand-Drawn by the Father Of Neuroscience
DESCRIPTION
Currently (through the end of March 2018) there is an exhibit at the Grey Art gallery at the New York University titled “The Beautiful Brain: The Drawings of Santiago Ramón y Cajal.” (greyartgallery.nyu.edu) Considered the “father of neuroscience,” Cajal using only dissection and observation through a microscope in the early 20th century, was able to make elaborately stunning drawings of the nervous system and neurons in particular. Based upon his observations, he developed theories regarding the structure of the neuron and communication across synapses. The drawings are stunning and can be used as part of a lecture on neuroscience as well as the history of Psychology. It is a must to follow the link.
SOURCE
New York Times, January 18, 2018, by Roberta Smith
LINK TO RESOURCE
(Tiny URL) http://tinyurl.com/y8w9mnw9
CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
•What elementary technique did Cajal use to learn about the brain?
•Discuss OBSERVATION as the basis of the science behind Cajal’s drawings.
•What were Cajal’s most important findings about neuronal connections?
•Why did it take until the 1950s to confirm Cajal’s theories?
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