The text describes the story of Phineas Gage, a man who survived a severe head injury in 1848 when an iron rod was accidentally driven through his skull. The rod, which was 3 feet 7 inches long and 1.25 inches in diameter, entered Gage's skull just above the left eyebrow and exited through the top of his head, destroying a significant portion of his brain.
Despite the severity of the injury, Gage was able to walk and talk shortly after the accident and was taken to a hotel where he was treated by a doctor. The doctor, who was not a specialist in head injuries, was able to remove bone fragments and clean the wound, but Gage's condition deteriorated due to infection and he became delirious.
However, Gage's condition eventually improved, and he was able to return home, where he continued to recover. The accident had a significant impact on Gage's personality and behavior, and he was no longer able to work as a construction foreman.
The text also mentions that Gage's skull was preserved and is now on display at the Warren Anatomical Museum in Boston, where it remains one of the most famous specimens in the history of neuroscience.
The story of Phineas Gage is often cited as one of the most extreme cases of head injury in recorded history, and it has been the subject of much study and speculation in the fields of neuroscience and psychology.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Phineas Gates was born in Grafton County, New Hampshire, on July 8, 1823.
2. He was the eldest of five children in a family of farmers.
3. Phineas was a construction worker and was involved in the construction of the railroad.
4. On September 13, 1848, Phineas was involved in an accident while working with explosives.
5. An iron rod was driven through his skull, causing severe injuries.
6. The rod was about 3 feet 7 inches long and 1.25 inches in diameter.
7. Phineas was taken to a hotel where he was treated by Dr. John Martyn Harlow.
8. Dr. Harlow removed bone fragments and clots from Phineas's brain and treated his wounds.
9. Phineas's condition improved, and he was able to stand up and walk within a few days.
10. He was able to return to work 10 weeks after the accident.
11. Phineas's accident and recovery were considered a medical miracle at the time.
12. His case was studied by doctors, including Dr. Harlow, who wrote about it in medical journals.
13. Phineas's skull and the iron rod that injured him are now on display at the Warren Anatomical Museum in Boston.
14. Phineas died in 1860 at the age of 36 due to complications from his injury.
15. His case is still studied by neurologists and medical historians today.