Introducing the Problem

Abstract

Neurological research has expanded and diversified to include neurophysiology, neurochemistry, neuropharmacology, psychology, neuropsychology (an offspring of physiology and psychology) and, of course, neuroanatomy, pathology, and clinical neurology. Each of these branches has developed knowledge in bulk, with its own language and specialized journals. A huge amount of data has been produced at an exponential rate in the last three decades, demonstrating that the field is lively and bursting with activity. These data also show that the brain is an enormously complicated object and, therefore, that more is necessary than separated detailed analyses: differentiated, yes, but simultaneous and coordinated approaches.

Faust:

Habe nun, ach! Philosophie,

Juristerei und Medizin,

Und leider auch Theologie

Durchaus studiert, mit heissem Bemühn.

Da steh’ich nun, ich armer Tor!

Und bin so klug als wie zuvor;…

(Goethe, Faust, v. 354–359)