John Martyn Harlow

John-m-harlow

John Martyn Harlow (1819–1907) was an American physician best known for his treatment and documentation of the famous case of Phineas Gage, a railroad construction foreman who survived a severe brain injury that dramatically changed his personality and behavior. Harlow's detailed observations and reports on Gage's case provided early evidence for the role of the frontal lobes in personality and behavior, contributing significantly to the field of neuropsychology.

Early Life and Education

John Martyn Harlow was born in Vermont in 1819. He pursued his medical education at the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, where he graduated in 1844. After completing his studies, Harlow returned to Vermont to practice medicine.

The Phineas Gage Case

In 1848, Harlow encountered the case that would define his career. Phineas Gage was working as a foreman on the construction of the Rutland and Burlington Railroad when an accidental explosion drove a large iron rod through his skull, damaging his frontal lobes. Remarkably, Gage survived the incident and was treated by Harlow.

Harlow meticulously documented Gage's injury, treatment, and subsequent changes in behavior. Before the accident, Gage was described as a capable and efficient worker, but after the injury, he exhibited significant personality changes, becoming irreverent, impulsive, and unable to adhere to social norms. Harlow's observations were among the first to suggest a link between the frontal lobes and personality.

Contributions to Medicine

Harlow's work with Phineas Gage provided early evidence for the localization of brain function, particularly the role of the frontal lobes in personality and social behavior. His detailed case study was published in the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal in 1848 and later in 1868, providing valuable insights for the emerging field of neuropsychology.

Later Life and Legacy

After his work with Gage, Harlow continued to practice medicine in Vermont. He remained a respected physician and contributed to the medical community through his practice and publications. Harlow passed away in 1907, but his work with Phineas Gage remains a cornerstone in the study of brain function and personality.

See Also

• Phineas Gage
• Frontal lobe
• Neuropsychology
• Brain injury
• History of neuroscience