A. A. Cohen-Gadol, D. D. Spencer (eds) The legacy of Harvey Cushing—profiles of patient care

Excerpt

About one century ago, that is in the first decade of the XX Century, Harvey Cushing was credited to have created neurosurgery as a new subspecialty at Johns Hopkins. In his introduction for this large format, nicely illustrated and well-printed book, which further consecrates Cushing’s merit, Prof. Michael Bliss indulges on the symbolic beauty of the day July 4, 1990, when apparently Cushing expressed his disappointment about his European experience in London. Indeed, he complained of not having found any masters there who could teach him more than he had learned in the USA. Although very critical towards Horsley’s surgical skillfulness, Cushing’s judgement was tempered by the recognition of his qualities as a researcher. As an expression of the medical education of the Old Continent, me too. I have to admit to having been fascinated during the years of my neurosurgical training by the legacy that Cushing had left us by his deep dedication, practical approach, critical understanding of the various neurosurgical diseases, and—certainly—by his extreme surgical ability. …