LOUIS FLEXNER WAS A major scientific figure, in direct line with
his distinguished uncles Abraham and Simon. He was a pioneer in
the field of neurochemistry and made notable contributions also
to the physiology of the cerebrospinal fluid and meninges, to
the function of the placenta, and to the biochemistry of
development. Through his organization and direction of the
Institute of Neurological Sciences at the University of
Pennsylvania, he had a major role in the development of
neuroscience in this country. Louis Barkhouse Flexner was born
in Louisville, Kentucky, on January 7, 1902, to Ida Barkhouse
and Washington Flexner. He grew up in Louisville and Chicago in
a home of modest but adequate means and in a family that was
congenial, cooperative, industrious, and interested in
literature and sports and to a smaller degree in music.
Education for the children was emphasized, with nothing spared
in its support. He came from a family famous for its
contributions to medicine. Uncle Simon Flexner was a professor o