Bibliograph

The tale of the dueling neurosurgeons, the history of the human brain as revealed by true stories of trauma, madness, and recovery, by Sam Kean

Type

Label

The tale of the dueling neurosurgeons, the history of the human brain as revealed by true stories of trauma, madness, and recovery, by Sam Kean

Language

eng

Form of composition

not applicable

Format of music

not applicable

Literary text for sound recordings

other

Main title

The tale of the dueling neurosurgeons

Medium

compact disc

Music parts

not applicable

Oclc number

879328472

Responsibility statement

by Sam Kean

Sub title

the history of the human brain as revealed by true stories of trauma, madness, and recovery

Summary

Early studies of the functions of the human brain used a simple method: wait for misfortune to strike--strokes, seizures, infectious diseases, lobotomies, horrendous accidents--and see how the victim coped. In many cases survival was miraculous, and observers could only marvel at the transformations that took place afterward, altering victims' personalities. An injury to one section can leave a person unable to recognize loved ones; some brain trauma can even make you a pathological gambler, pedophile, or liar. But a few scientists realized that these injuries were an opportunity for studying brain function at its extremes. With lucid explanations and incisive wit, Sam Kean explains the brain's secret passageways while recounting forgotten stories of common people whose struggles, resiliency, and deep humanity made modern neuroscience possible

Transposition and arrangement

not applicable

Classification