Title
An Odd Kind of Fame: Stories of Phineas Gage
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Winner, category of History and American Studies, Professional/Scholarly Publishing Annual Awards Competition presented by the Association of American Publishers, Inc. and Winner of the prize for Outstanding Book in the History of the Neurosciences presented by the International Society for the History of the Neurosciences (ISHN).In 1848 a railway construction worker named Phineas Gage suffered an accident that made him a major curiosity of medicine and a significant figure in psychology and neuroscience: an explosion caused a tamping iron to be blown completely through his head, destroying the left frontal lobe of his brain. Gage survived the accident and remained in reasonable physical health for another eleven years. But his behavior changed markedly after the injury, and his case is considered to be the first to reveal the relation between the brain and complex personality characteristics. Yet almost nothing is known about him, and most of what is written is seriously in error.In this book Malcolm Macmillan, a leading authority on Gage, covers all aspects of this fascinating story. He describes Gage s family and personal background, the context of his work and the accident, and Gage s subsequent history. He analyzes contemporary medical and newspaper reports of the accident and its consequences, and evaluates the treatment Gage received from Dr. John Martyn Harlow. He also looks at Harlow s own life and work. Macmillan examines Gage s place in the history of how functions came to be localized in the brain. He explores the many ways that Gage s tale has been represented and misrepresented through the years in popular, fictional, and scientific works. One of Macmillan s primary aims is to rescue the case from the predominantly fantastic accounts so that its real contribution to modern neuroscience can be understood. Partly for this reason, the appendices include facsimiles of Harlow s 1848 and 1868 reports, the primary sources about Gage, and previously unpublished CT scans of Gage s skull made in 1982.
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This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: This book has five hundred sixty-two pages. It provides an in-depth look at the life of Phineas Gage and its implications for neuroscience.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is hardcover. This type of binding is durable and suitable for frequent handling.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures six point twenty-six inches in length, one point seventy-five inches in width, and nine point twenty-five inches in height.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Malcolm Macmillan. He is recognized as a leading authority on Phineas Gage and his historical significance.
- Q: Which category does this book fall into? A: The book falls into the Mental Health category. It explores the relationship between brain injuries and personality changes.
- Q: What kind of stories does the book tell? A: The book tells stories about Phineas Gage's life and the medical implications of his brain injury. It blends history and neuroscience.
- Q: Is this book suitable for all ages? A: Yes, this book is suitable for adults and older teens. It contains complex themes related to psychology and neuroscience.
- Q: What is the main theme of the book? A: The main theme revolves around the relationship between brain function and personality, using Phineas Gage's case as a foundation.
- Q: What is the overall tone of the book? A: The tone is scholarly and informative. It aims to clarify misconceptions about Gage's story and its relevance to neuroscience.
- Q: Can this book be used for academic purposes? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic study. It includes historical accounts and analyses valuable for research in psychology.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: Store the book upright on a shelf in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Q: Is there any special care needed for the book? A: No special care is needed. Just keep it clean and handle it gently to maintain its condition.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact customer support for a return or exchange. Ensure to provide details about the damage.
- Q: What kind of research does the book reference? A: The book references contemporary medical reports and historical accounts related to Phineas Gage's case and its implications.
- Q: Is there a warranty for the book? A: Books typically do not come with a warranty. However, returns may be possible depending on the seller's policy.
- Q: How does this book compare to other works on neuroscience? A: This book offers a unique perspective on the historical context of neuroscience, focusing specifically on Phineas Gage's case.