The Early Development of Neuroscience in Canada

Abstract

A review of some of my personal recollections and research into the early development of neuroscience in Canada seems particularly appropriate at this time since we have just celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Montreal Neurological Institute which not only played a leading role in the early development of neuroscience in Canada, but also had considerable impact upon the development of both clinical and basic neuroscience throughout the world. The concept of the fusion of all the varied disciplines concerned with studies of the nervous system into one integrated “neuroscience” as we know it today in the Society for Neuroscience was not known when Dr. Penfield established the Montreal Neurological Institute with this in mind. He recruited colleagues in neurochemistry, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, pathology, and neuropsychology to work in close association with clinical neurologists and neurosurgeons. Fellows were attracted from many countries for training in all of these disciplines and shared his dream of an integrated neuroscience aimed at a better understanding of the function of the nervous system underlying behaviour and mental function and more rational treatment of neurological diseases.

The inspiration, enthusiasm, and tireless determination of Dr. Penfield during the difficult times for the initial few years and during the most productive years of rapid growth following World War II, helped develop the Institute into a leading centre for research and training of neuroscientists in Canada, and also served as a catalyst for the rapid development of neuroscience in other centres throughout Canada and the United States. As one of my French colleagues has expressed it, the Institute was the “mother house” of neuroscience in Canada. It soon became a truly international institute of worldwide reknown.