Phineas Gage: A gruesome but true story about Brain Science by John Fleischman. I didn't think I could learn so much about the brain and the introduction brain science in such a concise and short book, but then I didn't anticipate such a compelling story as that of Phineas Gage.
Phineas worked as a railroad foreman in 1848, he had a good rapport with the men he worked with and the tools of his trade included a 3 foot long steel tamping rod and gun powder for blasting rock. His life changed the day that 3 foot steel rod blasted under his cheek bone and right up through the top of his head. Miraculously Phineas lived for another eleven years, the most noticeable effects on him were changes in his personality.
I found many parts of this story of interest, from where medical science was at during the late 1800's, to the many functions our brains are always working at, and how brain injuries effect a persons character. Fascinating read, lots of pictures help the text along and a valuable glossary for further interest.
