The field of neurology has always interested me deeply, though this is my first class focusing on such topics. As something of a scientist myself, I was very curious to begin this project, and to read the work of the great Oliver Sacks. Truthfully, I had only heard his name in passing prior to our discussion of his importance. I picked the book that seemed to have the greatest focus within our brief conversations about him, “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales”. This anthology features a wide variety of case study essays that detail the fortunes and interactions of neurologically unique individuals who he came into contact with throughout his career.

Personally, I enjoyed many of the essays presented throughout the book, particularly “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat”, “The Lost Mariner”, “The Disembodied Lady”, and “Eyes Right”. As for three elements of this book that left an impression on me, I will list the following; the fact that Sacks pioneered the study of many conditions in his field, the clear and concise storytelling style by which Sacks wrote the accounts, and the utter complexity of the brain evident through each case. Firstly, it amazes me that Sacks and others of his time and earlier often approached case studies with little or no prior documented research concerning them. Nowadays, in any medical/psychological/sociological field you may enter we have mountains of research and past knowledge to pull from. In many cases, today included, this wealth of knowledge has simply not been established yet. Reading about Sacks’ curious mind, carefully approaching each scenario was a delight.

Secondly, Sacks’ writing in and of itself is captivating. Each story is detailed but interesting, personal but analytical; it is clear that he had the general public in mind through his writing, but he lost no substance and wasted no space. This brings me to his preface, in which he discusses his intentions in writing the anthology, and specifically mentions informing the general public and raising interest in such research, as well as reflecting upon his storied career. THis is a noble thing, as I am sure his work has been enjoyed by millions, likely inspiring many to pursue a career in the field as well. Lastly, his work shows how varied the human brain and the human experience can be. The brain functions as a beautiful, intricate machine, and when things do not go according to plan, the outcome can be wholly unpredictable. Take, for example, any of the subjects of the stories I mentioned above; all cases of extraordinary lives. This is a testament to the fragility of the brain. “Eyes Right” for example, reminds me of this fact in a way that is relevant to my own life through my father’s health. To a far lesser degree my father’s perception and awareness of his left side decreased after his stroke. In a similar fashion, the subject of “eyes Right” had no awareness of their left side, and even became overrun with anxiety when prompted to perceive and see their very own body on the left side. Oliver Sacks and his writing opened my eyes to what neurology is and can be.