A collection of 450 whole brains from over 300 different species formed the research foundation for the career of Cornelius Ubbo Ariëns Kappers. This Dutch anatomist and neurologist focused his scientific efforts on comparative neuroanatomy, eventually establishing the Netherlands Central Institute for Brain Research as a premier global hub for examining the biological structures of the nervous system.
Academic Foundations and Research
Born in Groningen in 1877, Ariëns Kappers completed his education at the University of Amsterdam. His early intellectual development was guided by the investigations of German neurologist Ludwig Edinger and Dutch anatomist Louis Bolk. Throughout his tenure at the University of Amsterdam, spanning from 1906 until his death in 1946, he focused heavily on the evolutionary study of the nervous system. He produced extensive literature on the subject, notably his 1921 text Die vergleichende Anatomie des Nervensystems der Wirbeltiere und des Menschen, which later saw English and French translations.
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In 1909, he accepted the position of director at the Netherlands Central Institute for Brain Research. He maintained this leadership role for nearly four decades. During his time overseeing the institute, the facility became internationally prominent for its scientific output. His research often involved the examination of over 30,000 brain slices, cementing his reputation within the scientific community. His professional standing led to his induction into the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1922 and his appointment as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1937.
Wartime Actions and Recognition
During the Second World War, Ariëns Kappers applied his specialized knowledge of phrenology to intervene in the persecution of Jewish individuals. By providing anatomical analysis to challenge the definitions used by German authorities, he successfully prevented the arrest and death of certain targeted persons. In 2017, Yad Vashem posthumously recognized his actions by naming him as one of the Righteous Among the Nations. He died in Amsterdam in 1946.
Fast facts
- Born: 1877, Groningen
- Died: 1946, Amsterdam
- Citizenship: Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Major appointment: Director, Netherlands Central Institute for Brain Research (1909–1946)
- Professional memberships: Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Royal Society of Edinburgh
- Award: Righteous Among the Nations (2017)
- Education: University of Amsterdam
- Spouse: Mme B. Lehmann von Hunteln (married 1937)
Questions readers ask
How did Ariëns Kappers use his science to save lives during the war?
He utilized his professional expertise in phrenology to provide evidence that specific individuals were not Jewish, thereby shielding them from German persecution.
What is the Ariëns Kappers Medal?
It is an award granted by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences to recognize landmark contributions to the field of neuroscience.
Achievements
- Righteous Among the Nations — 2017
- Worked as neurologist, anatomist and university teacher
- Educated at University of Amsterdam
