The explosive Copula of Thomas Willis.

Abstract

Thomas Willis (1621-1675), arguably the founding father of neurology, devised an interpretation of neurophysiology which involved motor function being mediated by explosions in nerve tissue and muscle, facilitated by the temporary development of an explosive Copula comprising short-lived aggregates of 'nitrous' and 'sulphur' particles i.e. the components of gunpowder. Seen from a modern standpoint, such a concept is manifestly absurd. However, seen from the standpoint of the Paracelsian iatrochemistry to which Willis subscribed, and understood in the spirit of analogy which he probably intended, Willis' interpretation can be regarded as the beginning of the application of bioenergetics to neural function.