Albert von Kölliker, Santiago Ramón y Cajal and Camillo Golgi, the main protagonists in the Neuron Theory debate

ABSTRACT

In the second half of the 19th century Spain was rather isolated from the rest of Europe, although there was remarkable scientific activity. In the midst of this scenario, the figure of Cajal emerged on the scene. During a visit to the laboratory of Luis Simarro in Madrid in 1887, Cajal became acquainted with a paper published by Golgi in 1873 dealing with his famous method. Cajal immediately recognized the value of this method and applied it with much success to the study of the nervous tissue. In the triennium 1887-1889 Cajal's discoveries were so sensational that he decided to attend the meeting of the Anatomische Gesellschaft (Germany Anatomical Society) in Berlin in 1889 in order to present them abroad. The trip proved a great success, and he was able to establish close relations with the president of the society, Alexander von Kölliker, who, in turn, mediated contacts with further renowned scientists such as Retzius, His, Waldeyer, van Gehuchten, etc. Prior to his trip to Berlin, he had already contacted Golgi, but the fact that Cajal's neuronal theory conflicted with Golgi's reticular theory not only prevented a normal relationship between them, but was also -especially on Golgi's part- the source of bitter rivalry between them. Von Kölliker immediately recognized and admired Cajal's stature as a scientist and generously helped him to publicize his ideas throughout the scientific world, and to attain the recognition he deserved. Von Kölliker's relationship with Golgi was of a different nature, and could be described as sincere friendship. Von Kölliker, in fact, proposed both Golgi and Cajal as candidates for the Nobel Prize in 1906, which was subsequently awarded to them jointly. Thanks to Von Kölliker, Cajal's great mentor, the neuronal theory entered the scientific world through the main door and continues to occupy a prevailing position

RESUMEN

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