Abstract Details

Title From Shadow to Spotlight: The (Re)discovery of Trepanned Skulls in France During the 19th Century

Topic Research Methodology, ��ɫ��, and History

Presentation(s) S36 - History of Neurology (1:24 PM-1:36 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 003

Objective To understand the French interest in trepanation that emerged following Broca’s paper (1867) in various scientific disciplines, including neurology. To describe the trepanned skulls found on French soil during the 19^th century.

Background The study of trepanation is one of Paul Broca’s many contributions to the medical field. His interest in brains and skulls led Ephraim Georges Squier, an American diplomat and archaeologist, to travel to Paris to show him an old Peruvian skull presenting a seemingly man-made rectangular opening. Following this encounter, Broca published a first analysis on Squier’s skull in 1867, suggesting that the cranial opening was the result of surgery. This landmark paper initiated a scientific fascination with ancient skulls found on French soil.

Design/Methods A literature search for French articles related to trepanned skulls discovery and/or analysis between 1800 and 1900 was undertaken, using various databases such as Calames, BnF Gallica Archives, JStor, Internet Archive and Google Scholar.

Results The discovery of trepanned skulls, particularly from the Neolithic period, was not rare on French soil. If some of these skulls were found prior to 1867, and even before the birth of the 19^th century, the majority of them were retrieved and analyzed following the excitement initiated by Broca’s papers. Along with Paul Broca, Barthélémy Prunières, Ernest Chantre, Paul du Chatellier and Armand de Quatrefages are the most prominent figures in the study of trepanation in France during the 19^th century. Together, they described dozens of trepanned skulls found in different areas (eg: Lozère, Bretagne or Paris Bassin) and discussed several theories on trepanation.

Conclusions The study of French ancient skulls, initiated by a brilliant neurologist, brought together experts from several disciplines (archeology, neurology and anthropology), highlighting the close relationship that has always existed between medicine and humanities.

Authors/Disclosures
Manon Auffret, PhD, PharmD, DAAN PRESENTER	Dr. Auffret has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of France Développement Electronique. Dr. Auffret has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Aguettant. The institution of Dr. Auffret has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Aguettant. The institution of Dr. Auffret has received research support from Oxylis Medical. Dr. Auffret has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Auffret has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Auffret has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Auffret has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.
Marc Verin (CHU Hopital Pontchaillou)	Mr. Verin has nothing to disclose.

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