Why did we not see the light? A retrospective analysis of ideas in neurosurgery.

Based on personal experience, a retrospective analysis of the changes in neurosurgical thinking during the past 50 years is presented. The four phases of the organisational pattern are discussed. The contributions of a few pioneer neurosurgeons are emphasized. The impact of revolutionary technical improvements on future neurosurgeons should be balanced by sound clinical judgement--as "novelty is not equal to creativity."