In this episode cultural historian Mike Jay shares some of the stories in his new book 'Wireheads'. Our conversation ranges from an eighteenth century Bedlam patient to Elon Musk's 'Neuralink' along the way taking in Havana syndrome and direct energy weapons, the shifting notion of delusion, hoped for effects of electricity on child intelligence, and a variety of doctors who, over the years, have thought it a good idea to put wires into the brain, often with infamous results. We discuss how societal currents, such as increasing violence in the US in the late 60s and early '70s, drove research and theorising at that point, especially the work of Mark and Ervin on violence. Along the way we hear about neurodildos and God helmets. In short, ideal subjects for 'Brainland' - really interesting chat and an engaging book.
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