Sir Charles Scott Sherrington, O. M. 1857-1952

Abstract

ALTHOUGH Sir Charles Sherrington was born one hundred years ago, his most important work was done in this century and it seems only yesterday that he gave his last public talk, a short introduction to a B.B.C. programme on ‘The physical basis of mind’. He was then 92 and he spoke with an undertone of regret. He had found the reward of a successful scientist in picking some of the smooth pebbles and pretty shells from the beach and his had been smoother and prettier than ordinary. But the great ocean of truth still lay all undiscovered and he was discouraged by ultimate difficulties. They were the theme of his talk, yet in spite of his years he could still take pleasure in new gleanings from the seashore; cheerfulness broke in and we heard his well-known chuckle and could almost see it lighting up his face.