I am interested in the history of neuroscience, especially the relationship between brain and behavior as perceived by scientists in earlier time periods. I am presently working on 2 books, a large edited book history of neurology (for Elsevier). and one on electric fish and neurophysiology in the 18th century. My most recent books are an edited volume, "Brain, Mind and Medicine: Essays in 18th-century Neuroscience" (due in 2007), and a monograph, "Doctor" Franklin's Medicine" (2006). In addition, I have written a book on how neuroscientists (e.g., Galen, Vesalius, Broca) from different cultures and time periods took us closer to understanding the brain as the organ of mind. In addition to these books, I have a recently edited book on trepanation and a large monograph on the history of the neurosciences in general. I have also published articles on a number of historical topics, such as: (a) the history of Tourette syndrome, (b) the discovery of the punctate (spot) sensitivity of the skin, (c role of the corpus callosum before Sperry, and (d) how Johannes Müller and Hermann Helmholtz helped to shape the neurosciences.
I am the senior editor of the "Journal of the History of the Neurosciences." To learn more about this journal and its affiliated society, the International Society for the History of the Neurosciences, visit these websites:http:// www.szp.tandf.uk/journals/titles/0964704X.asp and http://www.ishn.org.
Research Publications
Whitaker, H, Smith, C.U.M., and Finger, S. (Eds). Brain, Mind and Medicine: Essays in 18th-century Neuroscience. Boton: Springer, in press (due 2007).
Finger, S. Doctor Franklin's Medicine. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2006.
Arnott, R. Finger, S., and Smith, C.U. M. (Eds.)Trepanation. Lisse: Swets and Zeitlinger (now Taylor and Francis), 2003.
Finger, S. Minds Behind the Brain: A History of the Pioneers and their Discoveries. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000.
Finger, S. The Origins of Neuroscience: A History of Explorations into Brain Function. New York: Oxford University Press, 1994.
Contact Info
Stanley Finger, Ph.D.
Office Location: Psychology Bldg.
Office Phone: 314-935-6513
Campus Box: 1125
Fax: 314-935-7588
sfinger@wustl.edu
http://artsci.wustl.edu/~sfinger
