Lectures on localization in diseases of the brain

Front matter

LIBRARY

OF THE

BIOLOGY

Author's Preface

THE exposition of the principles underlying the doctrine of cerebral localization seems to have now become a necessary chapter of introduction to the practical study of diseases of the brain.

In the Lectures which Dr. Fowler has kindly taken the pains to submit to the appreciation of our American confreres, I have selected, as occasion required, information furnished by normal anatomy, experimental physiology, and clinical observation, illustrated by minute and methodical examination of organic lesions.

I have always given precedence, however, to the lastmentioned order of testimony, convinced that, although normal anatomy and experimental physiology may serve to indicate the true direction ; still, clinical and pathological research is necessary (in case of the human subject) to a final judgment and to the furnishing of proof .

I shall consider it as a great honor if my book should be favorably received in a country where instructors in neural pathology are represented by scientists such as my friend W. Mitchell, and various others whom I might enumerate.

202754 iv AUTHOR'S PREFACE.

In any event, I cannot sufficiently thank Dr. Fowler for the care which he has bestowed upon the translation, and I unhesitatingly say that it appears to me a model, both of scrupulous exactitude in rendition of the original meaning, and as a clear and unexceptionable style of English.

J. M. CHARCOT.

TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE.

No excuse is required for contributions to medical literature which are calculated to increase exactitude of expression, ideas, and knowledge, thereby assisting to elevate medical Art to the higher plane of Science.

These lectures are a bold example of that cast, as indeed are all of Charcot's teachings and writings.

It is too late to introduce our distinguished author to the medical profession, for wherever medicine is taught as a science his works are already known and prized, and have been translated into nearly every modern language. This, however, is the first volume which has been pub lished in this country.

Charcot's superstructures are always built with great care and reserve upon the secure basis of induction, though he is none the less resplendent in the rich harvest of deduction which naturally follows.

The translator cannot refrain from expressing his conviction that the perfecting of medical knowledge depends mainly upon those investigators of which Charcot is so brilliant and so sound a representative.

NEW YORK, July, 1878.

Contents

FIRST LECTURE.

PAGE

Localization in Cerebral Diseases . . i