The Neuroanatomy of Leonardo da Vinci

Abstract

This book is a reprint of a collection of Leonardo da Vinci's drawings of the nervous system, which has been out of print. It is a pleasure on three different levels. First, there are the drawings themselves. Dr Todd has organized them inpart by anatomic subject: the skull, the brain and cranial nerves, the spine and spinal cord, and the peripheral nerves and plexuses. Most of the illustrations are sketches that include Leonardo's mirror writing. There are also anatomical specimens and fragments his finished paintings to illustrate specific points. Todd has added a chapter on functional neuroanatomy (The Senses), which describes da Vinci's concept of vision, hearing, smell, and taste, and three general from crude reconstruction of Galenic theory to absolutely correct anatomical detail chapters, Reflections on Leonardo and the Nervous System, Drawing as a Tool, and Anatomical Illustrations Before Leonardo da Vinci. The drawings give remarkable insight into