Descartes’ physiology

In this modern interpretation of work by Rene Decartes that was originally published in 1677, the top illustration from Traites de L’homme represents flexion, or the expansion phase of the cranial rhythm, with the central figure H, the pineal gland, being uprightly positioned in the hollow ventricles which have a more convex nature. Abundant energy is radiating, coinciding with a larger ventricular volume, where three extra A’s and an a exist, compared to the bottom illustration. Greater activity at the ventricle edges is shown and toned brain tissues B and C activate the ‘nerves’ D, which look taut.

In contrast, the lower figure shows the extension, or contraction phase of the cranial rhythm, with the pineal gland H in a less vigorous state, creating a smaller ventricular volume of concave shape, lesser edge activity, weaker brain tone at B and C (with the fissure lines between the brain lobes looking more wavy), leading to slacker ‘nerves’.

Descartes’ pre-occupation was the pineal gland, which he saw as the physical expression of will and direction in the human organism. He employed concepts of animal spirits and vital spirits in his physiology studies, which are not wholly incompatible with modern work involving ion potentials in nerves.

The question of whether Rene Descartes ever imputed or observed before 1766, what the ‘father of Cranial Osteopathy’ William G Sutherland did from 1899 on, is purely speculative. Nevertheless, the similarities between the two are striking and thought provoking for cranial therapists and researchers of the modern era.