ABSTRACT
Numerous writings can be found in the literature on brain function throughout antiquity. Much of this literature is nicely summarized in a very readable treatise by Stanley Finger (1994). e idea that di“erent parts of the brain subserved di“erent functions may be traced to the writings of the Roman physician Galen (AD 130-200). Galen’s anatomical work with various animals showed that the cerebrum was so¢er than the cerebellum, leading to his conclusion that motor and sensory pathways were separate. He further reasoned that, unlike the motor nerves, sensory nerves needed to be pliable to retain the sensory information for long periods of time. Galen thus asserted that the sensory nerves went to the cerebrum while the motor nerves went to the cerebellum because the former was so¢er than the latter.
