Cajal's Neuronal Forest

Javier DeFelipe is a Research Professor at the Instituto Cajal (CSIC), Madrid, Spain. His main area of expertise lies in the microanatomy of the cerebral cortex. The frequent citation of his work in the scientific literature reflects the variety and excellence of his numerous contributions. Prof. DeFelipe is also fascinated by the link between the study of the brain and art and has been involved in organizing and curating numerous exhibitions around the world. He has written several articles, chapters and books on both this subject and the influence of Santiago Ramón y Cajal in modern neuroscience.

• Table of ContentsForeword Ramon Areces FoundationForeword Spanish Foundation to Science and Technology Foreword Tatiana Perez De Guzman El Bueno FoundationForeword by Pasko Rakic Preface Part I: Introduction Introductory RemarksA Note on Microphotography and Illustrations of Histological PreparationsThe Anatomical Challenge of the Study of Neuronal Connections Section A: The Scientific Atmosphere in Cajal's TimesThe Discovery of the Reazione Nera: Commencing the Detailed Study of the Structure of the Nervous SystemThe Discovery of the Golgi Method by Cajal and the Influence of Maestre De San Juan and Simarro Drawing as a Tool to Illustrate Microscopic ImagesDifferences in the Interpretation of the Microscopic World Neuron Doctrine versus the Reticular TheoryThe Reticular Theory and Precursors of the Neuron TheoryGolgi, Cajal and the Nobel Prize Lectures in 1906The Law of Dynamic Polarization of Nerve Cells Introduction of the Term "Neuron" and the Renascence of ReticularismConfirmation of the Free Ending of the Nervous Processes: The Discoveryof the Synaptic CleftNeoreticularism and the Neuron Doctrine in the Present Day Dendritic Spines: True Anatomical Structures versus ArtifactDendritic Spines and the Methylene Blue MethodOther Interpretations of the Dendritic SpinesDendritic Spines and Cajal's 'Final Lesson' Confirmation that Dendritic Spines are Postsynaptic StructuresCombination of the Golgi Method and Electron MicroscopyDendritic Spines: Their Features and Role as a Key Component in Microcircuits Section B: The Golden Era for Artistic Creativity in NeuroscienceArtistic Skills and Emotions of Cajal and Other Early Neuroanatomists Verification of the Drawings of Cajal and Other ScientistsThe Neuronal Forest as a Source of Artistic InspirationSummary, Final Considerations and Concluding Remarks Notes Bibliography Part II: Gallery of Cajal's DrawingsSection A: Spinal CordSection B: Medulla OblongataSection C: Cerebellum and Deep Cerebellar NucleiSection D: Midbrain and ThalamusSection E: Optic Lobe of Lower Vertebrates Section F: Retina of Vertebrates Section G: Cerebral Cortex and Olfactory ApparatusSection H: Degeneration and Regeneration of the Nervous SystemSection I: Retina and Optic Centers of Cephalopods Section J: Insect Brain: Visual SystemSection K: Supplementary Figures Author Index

This beautiful book would grace any coffee table, and grace a neurologists coffee table most of all. Its illustrations are truly captivating, and the reproductions of Ramon y Cajals work can be appreciated all the more because they are presented alongside many other historic drawings, as well as photographs and artworks.