Influence of Early Printmaking on the Development of Neuroanatomy and Neurology

Abstract

Early Renaissance scientists were heavily influenced by psychological, philosophical, religious, sociological, and anthropological problems that perpetuated blind adherence to classically accepted doctrines. The unchallenged theories of and , limited practice of cadaver dissection, and scarcity of books 1 during this time are just a few examples of early obstacles to the advancement of scientific thought. Printmaking and book printing, however, were breakthroughs that enabled science to progress by leaps and bounds. It is difficult to separate the advancements of printmaking and book printing because they are complementary. We will focus on the art of printmaking, present a synopsis of early printing, and discuss the corresponding development of the neurological sciences. CONTEMPORARY SCIENTIFIC PARADIGMSPerhaps the most complete and influential knowledge of brain function before the Renaissance was that of Galen. 2 Although most of his knowledge was derived from work on animal cadavers, he applied this knowledge to humans. Galen delineated many of the senses, discussed the cranial nerves, and described the autonomic nervous system. He also described the distinction between the sensory and motor nerves, which he based on the belief that the sensory nerves were softer than the motor nerves. Galen proposed that because the cerebrum was softer than the cerebellum, the former housed the senses, and the latter controlled motor function. Contrary to Aristotle, Galen believed that the brain rather than the heart was the seat of intelligence and that "animal spirits," although derived from the heart, were passed to the ventricles in the brain by way of the circulation. 3(pp17-22)

The Limbic System Conception and Its Historical Evolution

“…However, after a long-lasting hegemony of the Aristotelian theories, some changes took place, which allowed for a better understanding of human psychic foundations. These changes occurred as a result of increasing interest in the dissection of corpses and the resulting progress in the understanding of human anatomy [14, 15]. Galen (130 AD–200 AD) conveyed the most complete and influential comments on neuroanatomy.…”

“…A ventricular theory of emotions was also proposed by Saint Augustine in 500 AD [6]. Although the exact date when this theory was conceived is unknown, it certainly evolved from Galen's fundamental theories of brain anatomy [14, 15]. …”

“…The ability to publish manuscripts was an important technological advance that contributed to the understanding of neuroanatomy and neurology, as known today [15, 18]. Thus, in 1499 Peyligk graphically described part of the cerebral anatomy, including the dura mater and the pia mater, as well as the ventricles, in his work entitled Compendium philosophiae naturalis .…”

“…It was the most complete and detailed work in this field and corrected several inaccuracies from the works of Galen. It revealed details about the cerebral ventricles, cranial and peripheral nerves, pituitary gland, meninges, ocular structures, cerebral vascular supply, and spinal cord [15]. …”

“…Some scholars believe that one reason that accounted for a lack of a major advance in Medicine during the Renaissance was the inability to reproduce with graphical perfection the scientific and anatomical findings [15]. …”