The Curious History of the Heart: A Cultural and Scientific Journey (EPUB)

By Emma P. Jackson
Throughout history, the heart was regarded as the most vital organ in the human body, believed to be the source of intelligence, memories, emotions, and even the soul, across cultures worldwide. However, as time passed, people’s views on the heart drifted away, and its purpose was redefined as more research was conducted. Nowadays, despite modern science’s notion that it is only a simple blood pump, it is still widely recognized as an important cultural symbol of love and health. In this book, expert cardiologist Vincent M. Figueredo takes the readers on an enlightening journey tracing the transformation and the evolution of our understanding of the human heart from ancient times until the present. Figueredo explores the heart’s place in art, culture, philosophy, religion, and science and the many meanings it holds in our daily and emotional lives. In detail, he examines the functioning of the heart, the latest research in heart disease and therapy and the emerging research field of neurocardiology. Figueredo also considers the possibility of a “heart-brain connection” and how this connection might occur and suggests that ancient beliefs may have more truth to them than modern science has acknowledged. This book provides a fresh perspective on why the human heart remains central to our sense of self.

Product Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Columbia University Press (April 4, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• eBook Digital ‏ : ‎ 312 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0231208189
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0231208185