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The late 19th century and early 20th century represent an era of significant progress and important discoveries. Explorers of unknown continents interacted with pioneers of neuroscience, including the founders of the neuron doctrine, which asserted that nerve tissue was composed of individual cells that were genetic, anatomic, functional, and trophic units. Fridtiof Nansen (1861-1930), an arctic explorer and a cofounder of the neuron doctrine, knew Sigmund Freud (1856-1939), a neuroscientist and the founder of psychoanalysis, as well as Harvey Cushing (1869-1939), the father of modern neurosurgery. This is an account of the evolution of the neuron doctrine at a time of great explorers and scientists, with insight into their common interests and interactions on scientific and social levels.

Camillo Golgi and Santiago Ramon Y Cajal were selected as joint Nobel Prize recipients in 1906, "in recognition of their work on the structure of the nervous system." This posthumous Festschrift is written in celebration and commemoration of the 90th anniversary of that event, and the reader is invited to participate in an entertaining journey through the history of neuropathology, as it evolved from the time of Golgi and Cajal. The story, of necessity, is written in broad descriptive terms, highlighting major events and personalities, and strives for continuity of narration and coherence of presentation. The historical framework reflects the personal experience and purview of the author and his mentor, Kenneth M. Earle, who began their careers in neurology and neurosurgery, respectively. Emphasis on the close interface linking clinical neuroscience and neuropathology indicates the antecedents of the latter discipline as well as the overlap characterizing current modes of investigation at the cellular and molecular levels. This article is intended to provide a younger generation of neurologists and neurosurgeons with a review of what has gone before as a foundation for their current studies and future careers.