From the Paper "The novel Arrowsmith (1924), by Sinclair Lewis looks at the experiences of a central hero named Martin Arrowsmith and his pursuit of a medical career. Lewis uses his book to examine several historical trends and controversies in the medical profession at the turn of the nineteenth century. More specifically, at the time Martin Arrowsmith is beginning his training to become a doctor, he must grapple with the dilemma of whether to pursue pure scientific research which many established doctors and medical educators dismiss as nonprofitable and too isolated from the actual treatment of patients. Thus, the central theme of this novel is the hero's struggle to come to terms with the conflict, between pure scientific research or the pursuit of greater profits through the care of patients, which consumed the late nineteenth and early twentieth century medical . "
Abstract The paper describes the condition of a soldier, Zasetsky, who suffered brain damage as a result of a bullet. The writer explains the type of memories Zasetsky is able to recall, his moods and his understanding. The paper discusses Zasetsky's ability to write, but not understand what he has written. In conclusion, the writer shows us how Luria's book has been of value to neurologists, and also to educators of individuals with traumatic brain injuries. Luria's book sheds light on the complexity and ability of the brain to do amazing things, despite traumatic injury.
From the Paper "At first he could not perceive a thing then, when he could, fragments didn't form complete objects. He had to guess what assembled fragments meant. Also, the right side of his visual field was "an even gray vacuum". After brain injury, there is usually a period of recovery, but what is not recovered within the first year or so is usually lost for good, apart from very small improvements.
"His sense of his body had changed. He experienced fragmentation of his body and certain body parts would feel large or small. For example, "...my head is the size of a table". Also, he forgot where body parts were and had to 'hunt' for them. He adjusted to these body problems but other disturbances persisted. Examples of 'spatial disturbances' was not knowing which hand to extend to shake hands and getting lost when going for a walk. When he left hospital and returned home he did not recognize his hometown. Indeed, "space 'made no sense to him'" and so it lacked stability. Spatial agnosia. To the extent that he had trouble organizing movements in space, he would also have had apraxia. With Zasetsky you are really sampling the A-Z of neuropsychological disorder."
