J. Anat. (1999) 194, p. 317. Printed in the United Kingdom 317

Book Reviews

The Genesis of Neuroscience by A. Earl Walker. Edited

by EDWARD R. LAWS and GEORGE B.

UDVARHELYI. (Pp. x­371; illustrated; ISBN

1 879284 62 6.) Park Ridge, Illinois : American

Association of Neurological Surgeons. 1998.

Earl Walker was Professor of Neurosurgery at JohnsHopkins Hospital from 1947 until his retirement in 1972 atthe age of 65. He then became visiting professor at theUniversity of New Mexico, and it was during the last 20years or so of his life that he returned to his lifelong interestin the history of the neurosciences. Following his suddendeath in 1995, his widow began to put together all hiswritings on the subject and vast collection of references.This text is a fitting tribute to his work and to the devotedinterest of his wife.

The coverage extends from the origins of the subject inearliest times right up to the present day. The chapters arearranged roughly along anatomical lines : encephalisation,spinal cord, peripheral nerves, cerebral disorders (epilepsy,cerebrovascular disease, etc.), congenital anomalies andthe evolution of neurosurgery and neurology as distinctdisciplines. There are 3 appendices covering the arts inneuroscience (which reflects the author’s broad interests),medical fees throughout the ages, and a very useful historicalglossary of neurological syndromes. There is also a completebibliography of Earl Walker’s writings and a very extensivereference section. It is well-illustrated, mainly with portraitsof eminent individuals in the field.

A particularly attractive feature of the text is the cleardemarcation of topics each outlining their relevant earlyhistory with pertinent references. This could be veryvaluable to lecturers preparing their courses as well as toothers in writing articles on specific topics. Good examples

are the discussions of the recognition and diagnosis ofsyphilitic infections of the nervous system and cerebraltumours. The neurosurgical aspects of many conditions aregiven particular attention.

Perhaps it is asking too much of a single author, however,to cover all areas of neuroscience in sufficient detail tosatisfy everyone. For example in regard to my own field ofinterest, namely neuromuscular disorders, I discovered afew points to challenge. It is stated, for example, thatDuchenne developed dementia (sic) and died practicallyunknown (p. 276). In fact, though he may have beendepressed during his later years, he was much fe# ted andhonoured and his international reputation in the field ofneurology was especially emphasised in his obituaries inLancet and elsewhere. Spinal muscular atrophy is coveredbut there is only passing mention of the dystrophies. Therole of Landouzy (1845–1917) and Dejerine (1849–1917) inregard to dystrophy is omitted, though Dejerine’s othercontributions to neurology are detailed. Controversial issuesof priority, such as the discovery of the distinct functions ofthe anterior and posterior nerve roots of the spinal cord(Bell and Majendie) are considered, but not in detail. Theearly successful surgical treatment of intracranial aneurysmsis credited among others to Walter Dandy (1886–1946), EarlWalker’s predecessor at Johns Hopkins, and to NormanDott (1897–1973) of Edinburgh. But there is no mention ofthe role played by Geoffrey Jefferson (1886–1961) who somemight consider to have been of equal importance. It isinevitable however, that in taking a broad brush in writingon medical history there will be some casualties and one’spersonal preferences and biases may suffer. Notwithstand-ing, this is an excellent and informative read, well docu-mented and a worthy reflection of the scholarship andindustry of a great neurosurgeon.