English, Science, & Art: Phineas Gage

“Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Science” by John Fleischman gives vivid imagery and detailed descriptions of Phineas Gage’s life and the research of doctors on him during his time. His story begins with “The Horrible Accident in Vermont,” where Phineas, a railroad worker, was working peacefully when his tamping iron rod suddenly flies through the air pierces his cheek, and goes across his head.

You can imagine his skull cracking and his blood spurting out, witnesses who saw this were his fellow railroad workers who were also amazed that he is still alive and conscious, cheerfully talking despite his horrible accident. Imagine yourself in this setting, this is 1848 where even top physicians everywhere don’t know about bacteria or germs. Well, Phineas’s wound is left out until Dr.Edward Williams and Dr. Martin Harlow tend him.

When his case is published in the newspaper, it is hardly believable for a man to survive such a “horrible accident” (an open brain injury) and still remain alive and talkative for 11 years, six months, and nineteen days. Several brain doctors barely believe this and count it rubbish until Henry J. Bigelow and a team of doctors looks into his case. The race is on and Phineas Gage, the first man to survive open brain injury, opens the door to in-depth learning of brain science. A remarkable and inspiring biography of all time, find out more in the book!