As an evolutionary biologist, you may find the following interesting.
A neurosurgeon friend of mine working in Bethesda has recently written
a fascinating extended paper regarding the evolution of the limbic system
in connection with a theory of human consciousness.
The paper is entitled "THE NEUROBIOLOGY OF EMOTION AND THE EVOLUTION OF
MIND" by Dr. Ayub Ommaya, President of the Neuroscience Foundation.
Dr. Ommaya is a veteran neuroscientist (I believe he is presently working
on CSF transplants as a treatment for diabetes, of all things!), and he
is quite brilliant. At the same time, I am not certain that this paper
has yet been published.
When I spoke with him about it, he seemed quite proud of it -- and rightly
so. If anyone is interested please let me know by e-mail. I may be able
to make a few copies of what I have. I also may be able to locate a more
substantial reference.
Justin Baker st004131 at brownvm.brown.edu
