Pre-Brodmann pioneers of cortical cytoarchitectonics I: Theodor Meynert, Vladimir Betz and William Bevan-Lewis

This study and the sequel paper revisit landmark discoveries that paved the way to the definition of the renowned Brodmann areas in the human cerebral cortex, in an attempt to rectify certain undeserved historical neglects. A 'first period of discoveries,' from 1867 to 1882, is represented by the work of neuropsychiatrists Theodor Meynert (1833-1892) in Vienna, Vladimir Betz (1834-1894) in Kiev and William Bevan-Lewis (1847-1929) in Wakefield. Their classical findings are placed in a modern perspective.

Automated summary

This study revisits landmark discoveries in cerebral cortex research and aims to rectify certain historical neglects by examining the work of neuropsychiatrists from the late 19th century. Their classical findings are being reevaluated in a modern context.