Gray Matters: A Biography of Brain Surgery

Theodore H Schwartz
OneWorld, £25.00

Neurosurgery is a relatively young field, with early mavericks first venturing into the skull around 120 years ago. This book covers it all in remarkable detail. Touching on aspects of brain anatomy, functional anatomy and physiology, the author explains the evolution, rapidly increasing complexity and, of course, the greatly increasing successes of brain surgery.

Many of the notable cases of cranial trauma discussed by the author have resulted, from the early 1920s, in the development of protective helmets for those playing baseball, American football, rugby and cricket. Head injuries have fallen in proportion as a result, both in these sports and also for those taking to the roads on two wheels.

Functional neurosurgery and deep brain stimulation to treat behavioural disorders, depression, anorexia, substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Parkinson’s, dementia, epilepsy and various memory issues is now a real possibility, and this book is an intriguing eye-opener to the exciting world of neurosurgery and its direction in the future.

Ian Blenkharn FRSB

Reviewed by healthcare, occupational and environmental microbiologist Ian Blenkharn FRSB