Astronomers of the inward: on the histories and case histories of Alexander Luria and Oliver Sacks

Abstract This essay discusses the brief but extensive correspondence Soviet neuro-psychologist Alexander Luria exchanged with his younger American colleague Oliver Sacks between 1973 and 1977, year died. Sacks, whose case histories went on to become mainstream bestsellers, always expressed indebtedness Luria, warm detailed approach writing about patients’ peculiar sometimes distressing neurological conditions inspired Sacks. explores this influence also probes distinctions two scientists’ understandings of human consciousness tied very different social political contexts in which they conducted their clinical research.