Humphrey Ridley: 17th Century Evolution in Neuroanatomy
Humphrey Ridley: 17th Century Evolution in Neuroanatomy
The Renaissance Period holds a vital position in the history of evolution of the study of human anatomy. During this period, many anatomical discoveries were described and were meticulously documented in anatomical drawings. Although most anatomists of the era were interested in global human anatomy and pathophysiology, a few held distinct interests in the neurological system. Humphrey Ridley authored the first treatise focused on neuroanatomy published in English language in 1695, titled The Anatomy of the Brain Containing its Mechanisms and Physiology: Together with Some New Discoveries and Corrections of Ancient and Modern Authors upon that Subject (Fig. 1). It was illustrated by the famed surgeon, William Cooper (Figs. 2–5).
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Figure 1.
The title page of The Anatomy of the Brain Containing its Mechanisms and Physiology: Together with Some New Discoveries and Corrections of Ancient and Modern Authors upon that Subject, authored by Humphrey Ridley and published in 1695. From Ridley H: The Anatomy of the Brain Containing its Mechanisms and Physiology: Together with Some New Discoveries and Corrections of Ancient and Modern Authors upon that Subject. London: Samuel Smith & Benjamin Walford, 1695. Image courtesy of Evans Library of Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
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Figure 2.
As described by Ridley, "Figure exhibits the base of the brain, with part of the Medulla Oblongata, the blood vessels being injected with Wax." Additionally, Ridley pointed out in this figure the various branches supplying the fourth ventricle and plexus choroideus (existence of latter in the third or the fourth ventricle was not known previously). From Ridley H: The Anatomy of the Brain Containing its Mechanisms and Physiology: Together with Some New Discoveries and Corrections of Ancient and Modern Authors upon that Subject. London: Samuel Smith & Benjamin Walford, 1695. Image courtesy of Evans Library of Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
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Figure 3.
As described by Ridley, "Figure showing the internal base of the cranium, the Sinus's being injected with the wax." The figure is intended to depict in particular the venous anatomy of skull base after selective venous injections, a novel elucidation. Also, the inferior left part of the figure depicts the first accurate description of the fifth cranial nerve ganglion and its 3 branches, which several years later was confirmed by Jacques B. Winslow who termed it "nerf trijmeaux." From Ridley H: The Anatomy of the Brain Containing its Mechanisms and Physiology: Together with Some New Discoveries and Corrections of Ancient and Modern Authors upon that Subject. London: Samuel Smith & Benjamin Walford, 1695. Image courtesy of Evans Library of Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
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Figure 4.
Left: Drawing showing the posterior view of the brainstem divided at the pons superiorly and medullary spinalis inferiorly. Right: Depiction of the sagittal section of the venous sinuses of the brain after their dura mater coverings were opened. From Ridley H: The Anatomy of the Brain Containing its Mechanisms and Physiology: Together with Some New Discoveries and Corrections of Ancient and Modern Authors upon that Subject. London: Samuel Smith & Benjamin Walford, 1695. Images courtesy of Evans Library of Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
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Figure 5.
In this figure, Ridley intends to illustrate, through an axial section of the brain, the anatomy of fornix and its relationship with the thalami nervorum opticorum. Medullary tracts between the thalami nervorum opticorum and corpora striata, lateral and third ventricles, and plexus choroideus with its blood supply and confluence of venous sinuses. From Ridley H: The Anatomy of the Brain Containing its Mechanisms and Physiology: Together with Some New Discoveries and Corrections of Ancient and Modern Authors upon that Subject. London: Samuel Smith & Benjamin Walford, 1695. Image courtesy of Evans Library of Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
In the introduction to the treatise, Ridley described his interest in the human brain: "And this part, I take to be the brain; the delicacy of whole structure is such, that with no little resemblance to its divine author, while it gives us the greatest and the clearest discoveries of other things, lies most concealed itself."
Ridley was perhaps only the third scientist in history to publish a comprehensive treatise on neuroscience after Thomas Willis' Cerebri Anatome (1664) and Raymond Vieussens' Neurographia universalis (1685). In the preface of his treatise, Ridley recognized that both Willis and Vieussens were the inspirations for his work on the human brain.
The principles of research Ridley used in the 17th century were both innovative and admirable. He stated that the nature of the human body could be understood only if one put emphasis on the theory of "cause and effect." He trusted the objectivity of his senses as opposed to the philosophers of his era, who sought knowledge with their eyes shut.
Although he recognized the role of his predecessors in the work on descriptive neuroanatomy, Ridley performed his dissections and experiments with an open mind. When his observations contradicted earlier reports, he made clear notes in his treatise. Ridley concluded his preface by stating, "I have quoted authors, not out of ostentation, but both for their truth and errors, to the end that at the same time we may see it reasonable and convenient to read all they say, we may be rendered cautious how we believe; and to put us in mind that we find something done to our hands by those who have gone before, there is reason we should do something for those who are to come after."
Ridley and His Treatise on Neuroanatomy
Predilection for the Brain
The Renaissance Period holds a vital position in the history of evolution of the study of human anatomy. During this period, many anatomical discoveries were described and were meticulously documented in anatomical drawings. Although most anatomists of the era were interested in global human anatomy and pathophysiology, a few held distinct interests in the neurological system. Humphrey Ridley authored the first treatise focused on neuroanatomy published in English language in 1695, titled The Anatomy of the Brain Containing its Mechanisms and Physiology: Together with Some New Discoveries and Corrections of Ancient and Modern Authors upon that Subject (Fig. 1). It was illustrated by the famed surgeon, William Cooper (Figs. 2–5).
(Enlarge Image)
Figure 1.
The title page of The Anatomy of the Brain Containing its Mechanisms and Physiology: Together with Some New Discoveries and Corrections of Ancient and Modern Authors upon that Subject, authored by Humphrey Ridley and published in 1695. From Ridley H: The Anatomy of the Brain Containing its Mechanisms and Physiology: Together with Some New Discoveries and Corrections of Ancient and Modern Authors upon that Subject. London: Samuel Smith & Benjamin Walford, 1695. Image courtesy of Evans Library of Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
(Enlarge Image)
Figure 2.
As described by Ridley, "Figure exhibits the base of the brain, with part of the Medulla Oblongata, the blood vessels being injected with Wax." Additionally, Ridley pointed out in this figure the various branches supplying the fourth ventricle and plexus choroideus (existence of latter in the third or the fourth ventricle was not known previously). From Ridley H: The Anatomy of the Brain Containing its Mechanisms and Physiology: Together with Some New Discoveries and Corrections of Ancient and Modern Authors upon that Subject. London: Samuel Smith & Benjamin Walford, 1695. Image courtesy of Evans Library of Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
(Enlarge Image)
Figure 3.
As described by Ridley, "Figure showing the internal base of the cranium, the Sinus's being injected with the wax." The figure is intended to depict in particular the venous anatomy of skull base after selective venous injections, a novel elucidation. Also, the inferior left part of the figure depicts the first accurate description of the fifth cranial nerve ganglion and its 3 branches, which several years later was confirmed by Jacques B. Winslow who termed it "nerf trijmeaux." From Ridley H: The Anatomy of the Brain Containing its Mechanisms and Physiology: Together with Some New Discoveries and Corrections of Ancient and Modern Authors upon that Subject. London: Samuel Smith & Benjamin Walford, 1695. Image courtesy of Evans Library of Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
(Enlarge Image)
Figure 4.
Left: Drawing showing the posterior view of the brainstem divided at the pons superiorly and medullary spinalis inferiorly. Right: Depiction of the sagittal section of the venous sinuses of the brain after their dura mater coverings were opened. From Ridley H: The Anatomy of the Brain Containing its Mechanisms and Physiology: Together with Some New Discoveries and Corrections of Ancient and Modern Authors upon that Subject. London: Samuel Smith & Benjamin Walford, 1695. Images courtesy of Evans Library of Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
(Enlarge Image)
Figure 5.
In this figure, Ridley intends to illustrate, through an axial section of the brain, the anatomy of fornix and its relationship with the thalami nervorum opticorum. Medullary tracts between the thalami nervorum opticorum and corpora striata, lateral and third ventricles, and plexus choroideus with its blood supply and confluence of venous sinuses. From Ridley H: The Anatomy of the Brain Containing its Mechanisms and Physiology: Together with Some New Discoveries and Corrections of Ancient and Modern Authors upon that Subject. London: Samuel Smith & Benjamin Walford, 1695. Image courtesy of Evans Library of Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
In the introduction to the treatise, Ridley described his interest in the human brain: "And this part, I take to be the brain; the delicacy of whole structure is such, that with no little resemblance to its divine author, while it gives us the greatest and the clearest discoveries of other things, lies most concealed itself."
Research Motives and Principles
Ridley was perhaps only the third scientist in history to publish a comprehensive treatise on neuroscience after Thomas Willis' Cerebri Anatome (1664) and Raymond Vieussens' Neurographia universalis (1685). In the preface of his treatise, Ridley recognized that both Willis and Vieussens were the inspirations for his work on the human brain.
The principles of research Ridley used in the 17th century were both innovative and admirable. He stated that the nature of the human body could be understood only if one put emphasis on the theory of "cause and effect." He trusted the objectivity of his senses as opposed to the philosophers of his era, who sought knowledge with their eyes shut.
Although he recognized the role of his predecessors in the work on descriptive neuroanatomy, Ridley performed his dissections and experiments with an open mind. When his observations contradicted earlier reports, he made clear notes in his treatise. Ridley concluded his preface by stating, "I have quoted authors, not out of ostentation, but both for their truth and errors, to the end that at the same time we may see it reasonable and convenient to read all they say, we may be rendered cautious how we believe; and to put us in mind that we find something done to our hands by those who have gone before, there is reason we should do something for those who are to come after."
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