A COLLEAGUE of Ansermet and Magistretti saw the irony of their attempt to link neuroscience and psychoanalysis, comparing it to the 鈥渦nlikely coupling of the polar bear and the whale鈥�. Undaunted, they argue that research on neural plasticity shows our experiences are physically 鈥渋nscribed鈥� in the synapses, and yet can also vanish and change. These physical 鈥渢races鈥� correspond to the key idea in psychoanalysis that life leaves its traces on the psyche. Challenging and timely, but don鈥檛 expect an easy read.
The Human Brain 鈥� With one hundred billion nerve cells, the complexity is mind-boggling. Learn more in our cutting edge special report.
Biology of Freedom
Other Press