Degeneration and Regeneration of the Nervous System. Vol. II. (Chosen by Dr Ruth Napper, Anatomy, University of Otago)

1928

Health Sciences Historical Collection WL102 R175

London: Oxford University Press

Santiago Ramón y Cajal’s (1852-1934) publications usually contain captivating images. These detailed line drawings, based on Golgi stained nervous tissue, show the complexity and apparent simplicity of this tissue. Cajal’s work allow us to marvel at his insight as he describes the process of change occurring to nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord following damage, as in this image. Nearly 100 years ago he discovered that the cells of the brain, after surviving damage, are able to change, with some brain regions more capable of change than others. This is an area of neuroscience now known as neuroplasticity. Today images like this are achieved with sophisticated ‘state of the art’ microscopical methods and equipment. Cajal’s research was ground-breaking for his time.