The brain of René Descartes (1650): A neuro-anatomical analysis

Charlier Philippe (1) , Huynh-Charlier Isabelle , Froesch Philippe , Shorto Russell , Benmoussa Nadia , Froment Alain , Grimaud-Hervé Dominique , Deo Saudamini , Augias Anaïs , Albessard Lou , Balzeau Antoine (2)

1 LAAB - Laboratoire Anthropologie, Archéologie, Biologie
2 HNHP - Histoire naturelle de l'Homme préhistorique

The skull of René Descartes is held in the National Museum of Natural History since the 19th c. Up to date, only anthropological examinations were carried out, focusing on the cranial capacity and phrenological interpretation of the skull morphology. Using CT-scan based 3D technology, a reconstruction of the endocast was performed, allowing for its first complete description and inter-disciplinary analysis: assessment of metrical and non-metrical features, retrospective diagnosis of anatomical anomalies, and confrontation with neuro-psychological abilities of this well-identified individual.

Keywords: Forensic anthropology Individual identification Retrospective diagnosis Endocast Neuroanatomy Virtual reconstruction

Domains: Humanities and Social Sciences; Biological anthropology; Humanities and Social Sciences; Archaeology and Prehistory

Charlier Philippe, Huynh-Charlier Isabelle, Froesch Philippe, Shorto Russell, Benmoussa Nadia, et al.. The brain of René Descartes (1650): A neuro-anatomical analysis. Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2017, 378, pp.12-18. ⟨10.1016/j.jns.2017.04.031⟩. ⟨mnhn-02106813⟩