Highlights
- •With a computer process based on CT-scan data of a dry skull, it is possible to reconstruct the cerebral volume in 3D.
- •This process was successfully applied to the skull of the philosopher René Descartes.
- •It was thus possible to perform Descartes' neuroanatomical examination, and to make functional assumptions.
Abstract
The skull of René Descartes is held in the National Museum of Natural History since
the 19th c. Up to date, only anthropological examinations were carried out, focusing
on the cranial capacity and phrenological interpretation of the skull morphology.
Using CT-scan based 3D technology, a reconstruction of the endocast was performed,
allowing for its first complete description and inter-disciplinary analysis: assessment
of metrical and non-metrical features, retrospective diagnosis of anatomical anomalies,
and confrontation with neuro-psychological abilities of this well-identified individual.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 20, 2017
Accepted:
April 19,
2017
Received in revised form:
April 17,
2017
Received:
February 26,
2017
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
