Philosophy and Thought
Angelo Mosso
Link copied
THC Editorial Team May 18, 2024
Contents
Angelo Mosso
Known for his contributions to neurology and neuroimaging techniques… namely the “human circulation balance.”
Photo published in Journal of Neurology, 259(11), 2513–2514
1846–1910
Born: Turin, Italy
- Graduated magna cum laude from the University of Turin in 1870.
- Mosso’s research focused on studying physiological phenomena, particularly circulation in the human brain, using graphical recording methods.1
- Developed the Mosso Method, a method of measuring changes in tracing cerebral blood flow of individuals by tracking brain pulsations using a specially designed plethysmograph – the Mosso plethysmograph (a device used to detect and record blood pressure changes)1,2
- He studied blood flow variations in individuals while they completed emotional or intellectual tasks, such as mathematical exercises. His findings indicated that brain activity was accompanied by an increase of blood flow.1
- His work on a “human circulation balance,” a sensitive balanced table that tipped at the head or the feet based on fluctuations in their weights (indicating an increase in blood flow), can be considered a major precursor to the development of functional neuroimaging.1
- He is also credited with the development of additional instruments, including the “ergograph,” used to measure muscle contraction before muscular fatigue.1