Includes bibliographical references (pages 393-441) and index.

Introduction -- Past: Heart -- Forces -- Electricity -- Function -- Evolution -- Inhibition -- Neurons -- Machines -- Control -- Present: Memory -- Circuits -- Computers -- Chemistry -- Localization -- Consciousness -- Future.

Cobb traces how our conception of the brain has evolved over the centuries. Although it might seem to be a story of ever-increasing knowledge of biology, Cobb shows how our ideas about the brain have been shaped by each era's most significant technologies. Today we might think the brain is like a supercomputer. In the past, it has been compared to a telegraph, a telephone exchange, or some kind of hydraulic system. What will we think the brain is like tomorrow, when new technology arises? Cobb shines new light on the complex processes that have shaped not just neuroscience, but all of human knowledge. -- Adapted from publisher description.