SECHENOV, Ivan Mikhaylovich (1829-1905). Refleksy golovnago mozga [Reflexes of the Brain]. St Petersburg: A. Golovachov, 1866 [1867].

First edition in book form of Sechenov’s significant text describing the physiological bases of various psychic processes. Dubbed by his famous student Ivan Pavlov the “Father of Russian physiology and scientific psychology,” Sechenov made important contributions to neurophysiology in his studies of reflex activity in the brain. “He considered that cerebral reflex activity arose from stimulation of peripheral sense organs, was mediated through the psychic realm and was the source of voluntary actions. Furthermore, he postulated that reflex activity could be modulated by other brain centers, particularly the midbrain, which he believed could produce inhibition” (McHenry, Garrison's History of neurology p. 226).

Refleksy golovnago mozga was first published in the Russian medical journal Meditsinsky Vestnik, nos 47-48, in 1863. Censors had forced Sechenov to change the intended title ‘An attempt to introduce physiology as the basis of psychic processes’ to ‘Reflexes of the brain’. Upon its release however, Sechenov’s thesis was immediately attacked by philosophers and psychologists, who objected to his assertion that psychological activity had a physiological basis. Not only did he receive backlash from his colleagues, but the text was considered subversive to public morals and social order, and Sechenov was indicted, though the charges would eventually be dropped the following year. See Haymaker and Schiller's, Founders of neurology, pp. 265-66.

Octavo (171 x 115mm). Half-title (scattered stains and thumbing, marginal dampstain to pp. 125-128). Contemporary quarter calf and printed boards with bookseller’s name and address printed on the front board and advertisements on the rear board, Cyrillic printer’s waste used to reinforce first gathering (worn with some stains, losses at the head and foot of spine, small restorations). Provenance: I.I. Shcher'akov, St Petersburg (library stamp).