Ferrier lecture .—Some functional problems attaching to convergence

Abstract

This occasion bears tribute to a name which marks a turning-point in the story of the study of the nervous system. David Ferrier with his pursuit of localised function in the brain took neurology into a new period. Thence onward functional neurology could never resign itself again to picturing the cerebral cortex as an uncharted sea with for its one accredited feature unanalysed uniformity. It was a fitting step, promoted by some whom we welcome here to-day, to assure as from to-day an enduringly recurrent opportunity for spoken remembrance of him. And for David Ferrier remembrance could take, I think, no shape more congenial to himself than that of the foundation of a lecture bearing his name at this Society. Here his picture, the gift of Lady Ferrier, re-images to us not a little of that genial and penetrative vivacity which was part of him. And it was in this room, fifty-five years ago, and to this Society, that he described first those memorable experiments which fascinated scientific attention then and now stand as starting-point for contributory knowledge from surely every quarter of the civilised world. To have the privilege of inaugurating these Lectures in memory of him is a great honour, and gratefully I appreciate, Mr. President, the kindness of yourself and of those who extended it to me. It is also a responsibility which I appreciate while attempting to fulfil. It has seemed to me that to recall in detail, when but a short while ago he was still with us, the history of Ferrier's scientific work, and to recall it before this audience, would be to retell familiar matter. It therefore would seem to me that a form our tribute to him might preferably take to-day might be presentment—slight and imperfect though it be—of some current neurological research. His own unflagging interest in such themes permits the thought that such might please himself.