Neuropsychological studies of the phantom

Abstract

This chapter presents a central theory of the phantom that has its origin in antiquity that has been nurtured by astute neurologists and psychologists, and shows that is supported by abundant neuropsychological data. It discusses the phantom after total or partial amputation of upper or lower extremities, orchiectomy, peotomy, mastectomy, para- and quadriplegia, and congenital absence of limbs. Literature, historical and fictional, abounds with references to men who have lost limbs. The fantasy theory proposes that the amputee so greatly needs the part that he unconsciously imagines that it is there. Lord Nelson expressed the belief that his experience of a phantom arm constituted proof of the soul. During the remainder of the nineteenth century an impressive array of papers containing excellent descriptions of phantoms appeared, along with some unique ideas as to their significance. William James' description of phantoms closely parallels that of S. W. Mitchell's.