Pliny the Elder: Lessons from the Naturalist as an Early Neuroscientist.

The article focuses on Pliny the Elder's contributions to early neuroscience through his encyclopedic work, *Natural History*, which reflects ancient Roman understanding of the brain, consciousness, and neurological disorders. Pliny adhered to the cephalocentric view, positioning the brain as the center of consciousness and detailing its diseases, including epilepsy, for which he cataloged numerous remedies derived from human, animal, and herbal sources. His clinical observations, such as descriptions of memory loss and altered mental states, provide valuable historical case studies, including a reevaluation of Julius Caesar's neurological symptoms. The article highlights Pliny's methodical data collection and interdisciplinary approach as foundational lessons for modern neuroscientists, emphasizing the enduring relevance of integrating humanities with scientific inquiry.