13 March 2012

Hormones and the Brain: The Maudsley Cases 1923-1938

Dr Bonnie Evans, Centre for the Humanities and Health, King's College London

The interwar period saw a burgeoning interest in the relationship between hormones and the brain. An analysis of case-notes from The Maudsley Hospital from the period 1923-1938 shows that the prescription of extracts taken from animal testes, ovaries, thyroids and other organs was widespread within this London Hospital. This talk explores the way in which Maudsley doctors justified these treatments by unifying psychological theories of the unconscious with experimental data drawn from laboratory studies of human organs. It explores the logic behind these treatments and examines beliefs about their efficacy. The connection between this historical episode and current research in endocrinology, psychology and neuroscience will also be explored.

5.30pm, Room G12 (Council Room), South Wing, University College London

No registration required

For poster and link to location map

(http://www.ucl.ac.uk/histmed/events/Hormones_and_the_Brain)

Dr Carole Reeves

UCL Centre for the History of Medicine

University College London

Division of Biosciences

Medical Sciences Building, Room 1MO1

Gower Street

London WC1E 6BT

Tel +44 (o)207 679 3223