[From stone trephine to robots, 5000 years of neurosurgery]

Only a century has elapsed since the first serious surgical interventions on the human brain were undertaken; man has however sought to understand its structure and function for several thousand years in order to reach therapeutic consequences. A few highlights of brain research and neurosurgery from the neolithic to current times are described along with the prevailing views and technologies. Parallels are drawn with examples from clock making. An outlook to computer aided surgery (CAS) combining modern imaging techniques with data processing and technical operative innovation is given.