[Morphe and function - Kurt Goldstein's understanding of the Babinski phenomenon]

Viewed in terms of the theory of science and medicine, one of the striking features characterizing the period extending from the end of the 19 (th) century to the first third of the 20 (th) century was the formulation of concepts of etiopathogenesis. Existing theories on the morphe and structure of human cells, tissues, and organs were enlarged by models focusing on the function of these elements and structures of the organism. This enlargement of etiopathogenic concepts, including biperspective observation, occurred in the fields of internal medicine (Gustav von Bergmann), psychiatry (Erwin Straus), and neurology (Kurt Goldstein). In the light of Goldsteins's understanding of the Babinski phenomenon, the present paper seeks to show what fundamental questions spring from a theory of the human organism that takes into account both morphe and structure and function. Studies of historical models of this kind are both meaningful and justified in that they include constructs and guiding theoretical principles (like, for instance, biperspective access to the patient and his/her disease) which are of immediate relevance in addressing problems with which psychosomatics and medicine are challenged today.