Into the Silent Land: Travels in Neuropsychology
by Paul Broks
A review by Ann Ellenbecker
A day in the life of Paul Broks may include analyzing damaged brain tissue in
preserved human remains, talking with a man who believes his skin is see-through,
examining an autistic patient with a masters degree in mechanical engineering,
and lecturing on the extent to which our brains determine our selves. With over
twenty-five years of experience in neuropsychology, Broks has no shortage of material.
This collection covers his own case studies, as well as historic examples in the
field, plus philosophical and personal musings, all benefiting from Broks's chatty
and personable style.
One of the highlights of the book is the story of Naomi who suffers from an
extreme case of epilepsy. It is her nineteenth birthday and she is being prepared
for the final in a long series of tests to determine the extent of the damaged
brain tissue causing her disorder, which has steadily progressed from generalized
to grand mal seizures that occur on an almost daily basis. Broks deftly describes
the procedure that includes anaesthetizing each side of her brain separately,
and goes on to offer details of Naomi's character and physical brain make-up,
and the potential changes in her after the anticipated surgery.
In "Right This Way, Smiles a Mermaid," Broks recounts a dream in
which he debates the question of dualism with a panel of three fictitious scientists.
Though Broks does not attempt to solve the age-old mind-body problem, he offers
a compelling argument for both first-person consciousness and science, providing
the reader with an example of one his greatest talents: to turn the stiff and
academic into absorbing, thought-provoking banter.
Into the Silent Land is a revealing study of the importance, as well
as the limitations, of science in helping to define the nature of self. It's
also a fascinating portrayal of bizarre and morbid medical accounts involving
the physiology and anatomy of the human brain. Broks fuses this all together
through scientific facts and personal anecdotes to create an enjoyable and illuminating
collection.
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