Bernhard Von Gudden

Vocation

German neuroanatomist and psychiatrist. Gudden made many contributions in the field of neuroanatomy, especially in his work of mapping and describing the paths, connections, origins/termini and neuroanatomical centers of cranialand optic nerve networks. The commissural fibers of the optic tractare called the commissure of Gudden in his honor, and he is credited for developing a specialized microtome for sectioning the brain for pathological study. As director of mental institutions, Gudden advocated a no-restraint policy, humane treatment of the mentally ill, communal social interaction amongst patients, and a well-trained medical staff. These were considered innovative, if not revolutionary ideas concerning mental health treatment in the mid-19th century. Gudden was a respected psychiatrist in Germany and was appointed personal physician to King Ludwig II of Bavaria. On June 13, 1886, Ludwig and Gudden were both found dead in the water near the shore of Lake Starnberg at 11:30 p.m., allegedly drowned, possibly murdered. To this day the details of their deaths remain a mystery. Link to Wikipedia biography