Ramon y Cajal is known as the founder of neuro anatomy for pioneering the microscopic structures of the brain. His drawings have been used as a teaching tool in order to better understand the complexities of the brain. The tree-like neurons that he shows have created a base for all artwork within the brain. Ramon y Cajal used art to display the neurological structures and processes of how the left brain and right brain interact.
In an interesting display of science and art the Brainbow uses florescent proteins to distinguish individual neurons from one another. In a rapid display of different vibrant colors the connections within neurons may now be discovered. This not only allowed for scientific advancement, but this was considered an intrinsic piece of art as well. The colors amaze and stimulate the brain into a constant shift of art and science.
Albert Hofmann was known as the first scientist to synthesize and ingest LSD. He discovered a whole new world in which shapes and colors filled his thoughts, in an alternate frame of mind. Everyday experiences such as riding a bike or looking at the sky now became extraordinary art. This drug was originally seen as a cure all for any ailment or disease, but scientists could not control the effects, so today it is only taken as a recreational drug.
Timothy Leary was another advocate for psychedelic drugs, and he issued them to his students at Harvard University in order to perform tests. One of his mottos while using the drug was to turn on, tune in, and drop out. LSD was taken in order to alter the mind, and although the effects were dangerous, it did place the human mind into a world of art that could not be duplicated.
Sources:
Vesna, Victoria. "Neuroscience" YouTube. Lecture. May 16, 2012. November 17, 2013. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5EX75xoBJ0>
Cohen, Mark. "Neuroscience" YouTube. Lecture. May 12, 2012. November 17, 2013. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDq8uTROeXU>
Anker, Suzanne and Frazetto, Giovanni. "Neuroculture" Macmillan Publishers Limited. November 2009. November 17, 2013. Print.
Gardener, Howard. "Art, Mind, And Brain" Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data. 1982. November 17, 2013. Print.
Bateson, Gregory. "Mind and Nature" November 17, 2013. Print. <http://www.oikos.org/mind&nature.htm>
I like how you cover all three aspects of the lecture and then focus on one aspect or idea of it. It's easy to follow along and appreciate the insight that is given into each topic. Each individual paragraph transitions smoothly within itself.
ReplyDeleteIts interesting how in depth you discussed the use of LSD in a scientific manner. I had one question, do you believe that these studies on both LSD and cocaine had a positive or negative influence on society and medicine?
ReplyDelete