METHODS OF STUDYING THE STRUCTURE OF THE 

 CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.^ 



By Robert Bennett Bean. 

 {From the Anatomical Laboratory, Philippine Medical School, Manila, P. I.) 



The object of teaching the anatomy of the central nervous system is 

 to make clear to the student what is obviously complex. This can be 

 done best by presenting a comprehensive study of the gross structural 

 details, followed by an intricate dissection of the fiber paths with a 

 parallel study of cross sections (gross and microscopic). Practical work 

 with demonstrations of the general morphology of the central nervous 

 system should precede lectures, which are mainly to present features that 

 can not be seen, and are secondary or explanatory. 



Not only should the subject be presented topograjjhically in order that 

 the student maj'' familiarize himself with the position of the most im- 

 portant structures, but the recent works of Sherrington (8), Johnson (4), 

 and others should be utilized. Thus, the functional significance of the 

 structures may be emphasized. The older methods of study should not 

 be discarded where they have proved effective, but they should be 

 combined with recent methods and subordinated where necessary. No 

 dissection of the association bands equals the breaking up of the cerebrum 

 as practiced by Meynert(6). Horizontal, coronal, and sagittal sections 

 of the brain continue to be profitable for study. Brief, descriptive out- 

 lines of the gross external morphology are valuable. Flechsig's(2) 

 masterly contributions should be utilized with the results of degenera- 

 tions to demonstrate localized areas and fiber tracts. Sabin's(7) model 

 is the best possible means to a clear understanding of the complex 

 medulla and midbrain regions. Embryology and comparative anatomy 

 are indispensable (9). Accurate drawings should be made with each 

 step as it is finished and at the end all the principal fiber tracts of the 

 nervous system should be reconstructed by diagrams. 



A clear presentation of any subject is necessary in teaching Filipinos 

 through the medium of the English language with which the most 

 proficient students are somewhat unfamiliar, but this is especially true 



' Read at the 6th Annual Meeting of the Philippine Islands Medical Associa- 

 tion, Manila, February 11, 1909. 



