Wilder Graves Penfield

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Wilder Graves Penfield

1891-1976

American-born Canadian neurosurgeon who is best known for his contributions to the area of neurology. He founded the world-renowned Montreal Neurological Institute to research and further the knowledge of the human brain. Penfield was the first researcher to systematically map the brain by observing conscious patients' responses to electrical stimulation in specific areas of the brain. Through his research, he developed surgical procedures for treating debilitating neurological diseases such as epilepsy.

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