DMB

I have just finished reading an interesting book by Carl Zimmer, Soul Made Flesh (American Version)

Soul Made Flesh (British Version).

(Zimmer is an American writer, but the subtitles are different in the two versions.)

It is about Thomas Willis and his work on the brain and nerves which in the 17th century made a beginning in neurology, establishing the brain as the control centre of the body. It is well written and gives a wonderful picture not just of Willis, but also of the other Oxford Virtuosi, such as Boyle, Hooke and Wren. I like the picture it presents of the bootstrapping struggle to establish science in an age full of superstition and deference to authority. It shows how all the great names took wrong turnings themselves and how they had to struggle against the dangerous politics and theology (often the same thing) of the age. It also underlines how the work of these pioneers led to the eventual displacement of god from centre stage.

It will be coming out in paperback for those who dont want to shell out for hardback!