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On the origins of organology: Franz Joseph Gall and a girl named Bianchi.

Authors :
Eling P
Finger S
Whitaker H
Source :
Cortex; a journal devoted to the study of the nervous system and behavior [Cortex] 2017 Jan; Vol. 86, pp. 123-131. Date of Electronic Publication: 2016 Nov 19.
Publication Year :
2017

Abstract

Franz Joseph Gall (1758-1828) introduced a new theory of mind and brain at the end of the eighteenth century, which he referred to as organology, dealing with mental functions and their cortical localizations. Gall wrote that observations regarding the verbal learning capacities of his schoolmates brought about his new way of thinking. This widely accepted view, however, requires qualification. Although Gall's experiences and observations as a schoolboy were relevant, especially for his craniology, these childhood memories might have been recalled and reinterpreted after he had started to think about the faculties of mind-specifically after he had met Bianchi, a 5-year-old girl with a special talent for music.<br /> (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1973-8102
Volume :
86
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Cortex; a journal devoted to the study of the nervous system and behavior
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
27939397
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2016.11.010