Vincenc Alexandr Bohdálek (1801-1883): Czech anatomist and neuroscientist of the nineteenth century

J Hist Neurosci. 2017 Apr-Jun;26(2):125-139. doi: 10.1080/0964704X.2016.1150671. Epub 2016 Feb 29.

Abstract

Vincenc Alexandr Bohdálek (Vincenz Alexander Bochdalek) was a well-known anatomist and pathologist in the nineteenth century. Today, however, his name is all but forgotten. Bohdálek described a number of anatomical structures; some of them became eponyms. Unfortunately, his findings concerning the innervation of the eye, upper jaw, hard palate, auditory system, and meninges are little known today. This current overview is based on available archival sources and provides an insight into his results in the field of nervous system research, which account for almost half his work. Bohdálek can clearly be considered a pioneer in the field we now call functional anatomy, as he tried to find a physiological explanation for the anatomical and pathological findings he observed. The work and results of this truly outstanding neuroscientist of his time are thus again available to current and future generations of neuroscientists and neuroanatomists.

Keywords: Anatomy; Bochdalek; Bohdálek; brain; history; nerves; nineteenth century.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Historical Article
  • Portrait

MeSH terms

  • Anatomy / history*
  • Czech Republic
  • Eponyms
  • History, 19th Century
  • Humans
  • Medical Illustration
  • Nervous System*
  • Neurosciences / history*
  • Pathologists / history*

Personal name as subject

  • Vincenc Bohdálek