Chapter 8 Critique

Chapter 8 was a very interesting chapter. It was the time when we finally got to see the contributions of Willis to the field of neurobiology. For the thought concerning athetists being the root of the "Anatomy of the Brain" was denounced due to Willis's knowledge of the past condemnations of other scientists. The experimentations done on animals were not ethical, in my opinion, and I am glad that they could not have gotten away with them in this day and age. The institution of the Royal Society was rather interesting to me so I must concur with Ynaling. For so many people to set aside their personal, religious beliefs for the greater good and the advancement of science Europe and England, that is awesome. In this era, I too, doubt that this could be done since there is so much religious persecution going on and all religions do not believe in the existance of one God. when religion is involved (see page 183), many things get sticky and they become very unmanageable. There is a group that we all know of which is pretty impressive and that is the United Nations. For individuals from hundreds of countries to congregate together and try to work out the issues of world peace plus trying to ensure that the world lives in a certain kind of harmony is commendable. This works out because all religious beliefs are put aside (despite individual countries having disputes with one another). The discovery of the body's ability to make voluntary and involuntary movements is great. Willis is a phenomenal scientist and he never ceases to amaze me with what he can discover. I always await reading each chapter just to see what new things he will do. Anatomy of the Brain: http://www.theuniversityhospital.com/stroke/anatomy.htm Royal Society Information: www.royalsoc.ac.uk/ Information on the Circle of Willis: http://pathology.mc.duke.edu/neuropath/nawr/blood-supply.html