A historical reflection of the contributions of Cajal and Golgi to the foundations of neuroscience

Brain Res Rev. 2007 Aug;55(1):8-16. doi: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2007.03.010. Epub 2007 Apr 5.

Abstract

In 1906, the Spaniard Santiago Ramón y Cajal and the Italian Camillo Golgi shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, in recognition of their work on the structure of the nervous system. Although both were well-known scientists who had made a large number of important discoveries regarding the anatomy of the nervous system, each defended a different and conflicting position in relation to the intimate organization of the grey matter that makes up the brain. In this communication we will review the importance of Cajal's studies using the method of impregnation discovered by Golgi, as well as the relevant studies carried out by Golgi, the concession of the Nobel Prize and the events that occurred during the Nobel conferences. In summary, we will précis the important contribution of both scientists to the founding of modern Neuroscience.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Historical Article
  • Portrait
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / anatomy & histology*
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neurosciences / history*
  • Nobel Prize
  • Silver Staining / history*
  • Silver Staining / methods

Personal name as subject

  • Camillo Golgi
  • Ramon Cajal