Fig. 16. The cerebral ventricles from above and from the side. According to K. Peyligk, Philosophiae naturalis compendium, Leipzig, 1489.

Fig. 17. The localization of cerebral functions. From the Italian edition of ‘Ketham’, Fasciculus Medicinae, Venice, 1493.

Fig. 18. From G. Reisch, Margarita philosophiae, Leipzig,‍? 1503. Diagram of the ventricles and the senses with their relation to the intellectual processes according to the doctrine of the Renaissance anatomists.

The brain was regarded by mediaeval and early Renaissance anatomists as having two channels of discharge through which the phlegm, the especial product of this organ, could be evacuated when in excess. One of these channels communicated with the anterior ventricle of the brain and poured its secretion into the nose. It may be identified with the anterior colature or cribriform plate. The second, the lacuna, led down from the second ventricle and poured its secretion into the pharynx. It may be identified with the infundibulum, pituitary body, and ‘cella turcica’. The term ‘pituitary’ which we still use is derived from its supposed association with the ‘pituita’ or phlegm. At an early date this process was connected with the four humours (Fig. [14]). The rest of the description of the brain can be easily followed. The comparison of the choroid plexus to a worm is very common. The suggestion originated with Galen and was developed by the Arabians.

Comparative Table of Ancient and Modern Nomenclature of Cranial Nerves.

Mondino and Manfredi following Galen, especially in the περὶ χρείας τω̑ν ἐν ἀνθρώπου σώματι μορίων. De usu partium corporis humani.Modern usage.
Not regarded as separate nerves.I.Olfactory nerves.
I.τὰ μαλακὰ νευ̑ρα τω̑ν ὀφθαλμω̑ν.II.Optic nerves.
II.τὰ κινητικὰ τω̑ν ἀμφ᾽ αὐτοὺς μυω̑ν.III.Oculomotor nerves.
Not mentioned.IV.Trochlear nerves.
III.τρίτη συζυγία.V.Trigeminal nerves.
IV.τετάρτη συζυγία.
Mondino and Manfredi confuse Galen’s fourth pair and Galen’s sixth pair.
Not mentioned by Manfredi. By Galen probably united with II.VI.Abducent nerves.
V.πέμπτη συζυγία.VII.Facial nerves.
VIII.Auditory nerves.
VI.ἕκτη συζυγία.IX.Glossopharyngeal nerves.
X.Vagi.
XI.Accessory nerves of Willis.
VII.ἑβδόμη συζυγία.XII.Hypoglossal nerves.