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The Ferrier–Schäfer dispute on localisation of the auditory center: A reappraisal in the light of new documents.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Ferrier–Schäfer dispute on localisation of the auditory center: A reappraisal in the light of new documents.
Authors: Larner, Andrew J. (AUTHOR), Griffiths, Timothy (AUTHOR)
Source: Journal of the History of the Neurosciences. Apr-Jun2026, Vol. 35 Issue 2, p207-218. 12p.
Subjects: Auditory cortex, Brain function localization, History of medicine, Neuroscientists, Historical source material
Abstract: Disagreement as to whether the auditory cortical center was located in the superior temporo-sphenoidal lobe—as proposed by David Ferrier in 1875, but apparently negated by the later experiments of Edward Schäfer—came to a head following an experimental demonstration given by Schäfer at a meeting of the Neurological Society of London in March 1887. Previous attempts to document the Ferrier–Schäfer dispute have been based on contemporary published sources, which are limited. Here we present documents not hitherto identified and/or transcribed to our knowledge that shed further light on the debate between Schäfer and Ferrier on the cortical localization of the auditory center. They permit a more detailed historical reconstruction of events that provides no definitive behavioral-pathological evidence to support Schäfer's claim to have disproved Ferrier's original localization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
Description
Abstract:Disagreement as to whether the auditory cortical center was located in the superior temporo-sphenoidal lobe—as proposed by David Ferrier in 1875, but apparently negated by the later experiments of Edward Schäfer—came to a head following an experimental demonstration given by Schäfer at a meeting of the Neurological Society of London in March 1887. Previous attempts to document the Ferrier–Schäfer dispute have been based on contemporary published sources, which are limited. Here we present documents not hitherto identified and/or transcribed to our knowledge that shed further light on the debate between Schäfer and Ferrier on the cortical localization of the auditory center. They permit a more detailed historical reconstruction of events that provides no definitive behavioral-pathological evidence to support Schäfer's claim to have disproved Ferrier's original localization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:0964704X
DOI:10.1080/0964704X.2026.2616684