Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 1668

ALEXANDER SHAW (1804-1890) Narrative of the discoveries of Sir Charles Bell in the nervous system. Longman, Orme, Brown, Green, and Longmans 1839 viii, 232 [2] 16 pp., 1 plate (front.). 22.2 cm.

Seventeen years before this book was published, Shaw, brother-in-law of Sir Charles Bell (see No. 1294 ff.), presented a paper to the Royal Society in Paris in which he described the experiments of Bell on the physiology of the spinal nerve roots and the fifth and seventh cranial nerves. Magendie (see No. 1379 ff.), the well-known French physiologist, was in attendance at the meeting and immediately set out to perform his epoch-making experiments. This book is a detailed chronological history of Bell's experiments, as well as those of his student and associate, John Shaw (1792-1827), Alexander's brother. Shaw also reviews much of the relevant neurological research of Magendie and Mayo (see No. 1537 ff.). The Bell-Magendie affair was one of the most acrimonious quarrels in medical history, and loyal supporters will be found for either of the principals among medical historians. Shaw's arguments are persuasive, giving priority to Bell for the discovery of the function of the anterior and posterior spinal roots. He presents some very convincing documentation, accuses Magendie of opportunism and downright dishonesty, and even criticizes Müller (see No. 1631 ff.) for supporting Magendie.

See Related Record(s): 1294 1379 1537 1631

Cited references: Waller 14941

Gift of John Martin, M.D.