Sergei Korsakoff, Alois Alzheimer, James Parkinson, Hans Asperger and other eminent scientists, are all names which have become synonymous with a disease, a syndrome, or an autistic disorder. Although the names of these psychiatrists and neurologists are familiar, we often know little about the individuals themselves and the circumstances surrounding their discoveries. What exactly did they discover, and who were their patients? Douwe Draaisma expertly reconstructs the lives of these and eight other ‘names’ from the science of mind and brain. Disturbances of the Mind provides a fascinating, illuminating, and at times touching insight into the history of brain research. Thanks to Draaisma’s unerring eye and elegant, engaging style, the case histories of Asperger, Bonnet, Capgras, Clérambault, Korsakoff and Gilles de la Tourette syndromes; Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases; the areas of Broca and Brodmann; Jackson’s epilepsy; and the Gage matrix are all brought to life and transformed into unforgettable tales.

• Examines discoveries in neurology and psychiatry in the context of the personal life of the discoverer, showing their aspirations, frustrations, failures and successes • Provides readers with a better understanding of the societal context of diagnoses such as Asperger Syndrome and Tourette Syndrome, as well as an appreciation of how perspectives on neurological and psychiatric disorders have varied over time • Douwe Draaisma’s work has been translated into twelve languages and he has been the recipient of several national awards, praising both his academic achievements and the elegance of his writing.

Contents
Introduction: not the Draaisma syndrome; 1. Towards dusk the images appear: Bonnet syndrome; 2. A tormenting round of tremors: Parkinson`s disease; 3. Phineas Gage`s posthumous stroll: the Gage matrix; 4. The Celestine Prophesy: Broca`s area; 5. Sparks from a Leyden jar: Jackson`s epilepsy; 6. Siberian brandy: Korsakoff syndrome; 7. Go to hell, idiot! Gilles de la Tourette syndrome; 8. A labyrinth of tangles: Alzheimer`s disease; 9. The Mercator of neurology: Brodmann`s areas; 10. The headquarters of madness: Clérambault syndrome; 11. A cup of tea for the doppelgänger: Capgras syndrome; 12. Little professors: Asperger syndrome; 13. The Cardan suspension of science.

"One can open this book at any chapter – but having done so, one cannot put it down. Disturbances of the Mind, combining deep learning with beguiling narrative, and full of fascinating information and ideas, is one of those rare books that will delight professionals and public alike." (Oliver Sacks)

"This book is a treasure for those studying the mind and brain, and is written accessibly to appeal to the general reader interested in the history of medicine and the variety of human behaviour." (Prof. Simon Baron-Cohen, Director, Autism Research Centre, Cambridge University)