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The Idea of the Brain: The Past and Future of Neuroscience
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The Idea of the Brain: The Past and Future of Neuroscience Hardback -

by Matthew Cobb

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From the publisher

An "elegant", "engrossing" (Carol Tavris, Wall Street Journal) examination of what we think we know about the brain and why--despite technological advances--the workings of our most essential organ remain a mystery. "I cannot recommend this book strongly enough."--Henry Marsh, author of Do No Harm

Shortlisted for the 2020 Baillie-Gifford Prize
For thousands of years, thinkers and scientists have tried to understand what the brain does. Yet, despite the astonishing discoveries of science, we still have only the vaguest idea of how the brain works. In The Idea of the Brain, scientist and historian Matthew Cobb traces how our conception of the brain has evolved over the centuries. Although it might seem to be a story of ever-increasing knowledge of biology, Cobb shows how our ideas about the brain have been shaped by each era's most significant technologies. Today we might think the brain is like a supercomputer. In the past, it has been compared to a telegraph, a telephone exchange, or some kind of hydraulic system. What will we think the brain is like tomorrow, when new technology arises? The result is an essential read for anyone interested in the complex processes that drive science and the forces that have shaped our marvelous brains.

Details

  • Title The Idea of the Brain: The Past and Future of Neuroscience
  • Author Matthew Cobb
  • Binding Hardback
  • Pages 496
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Basic Books
  • Illustrated Yes
  • Features Bibliography, Illustrated, Index
  • ISBN 9781541646858 / 1541646851
  • Weight 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.6 x 6.2 x 1.5 in (24.38 x 15.75 x 3.81 cm)
  • Category Science
  • Library of Congress subjects Brain, Neurosciences - History
  • Library of Congress Catalogue Number 2020933095
  • Dewey Decimal Code 612.82

Media reviews

Citations

  • Choice, 04/01/2021, Page 0
  • Kirkus Reviews, 02/15/2020, Page 0
  • Shelf Awareness, 05/08/2020, Page 0

About the author

Matthew Cobb is a professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Manchester, where he studies olfaction, insect behavior, and the history of science. He earned his PhD in psychology and genetics from the University of Sheffield. He is the author of five books: Life's Greatest Secret, Generation, The Resistance, Eleven Days in August, and Smell: A Very Short Introduction. He lives in England.
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The Idea of the Brain: The Past and Future of Neuroscience
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The Idea of the Brain: The Past and Future of Neuroscience

by Cobb, Matthew

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The Idea of the Brain : The Past and Future of Neuroscience
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by Cobb, Matthew

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The Idea of the Brain; The Past and Future of Neuroscience

by Cobb, Matthew

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The Idea of the Brain: The Past and Future of Neuroscience
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The Idea of the Brain: The Past and Future of Neuroscience

by Cobb, Matthew

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
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The Idea of the Brain: The Past and Future of Neuroscience
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The Idea of the Brain: The Past and Future of Neuroscience

by Cobb, Matthew

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
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Basic Books, 2020-04-21. Illustrated. hardcover. New. 6.45x1.95x9.60. Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.
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