Jean Pierre Flourens (also known as Marie Jean Pierre Flourens) was born in Maureilhan, France in 1794. He was known for his works within the nervous system, cerebral localization, brain functionality, and his pioneering efforts in the use of neuroanatomical experimental methods. Flourens began research into vestibular and otological disorders in the 19th century. Using pigeons, Flourens was able to determine that when he cut the semicircular canal of the vestibular labyrinth, the pigeons exhibited abnormal head movements, while the pigeon’s hearing was not affected until he cut the basilar papilla. He found in his modern theory of brain function that specific functions are controlled by very specific areas of the brain, and the brain acts as a functional entity. This theory is derived from ablation and stimulation methods.
