Frank R. Wilson

Frank R. Wilson is the name of the author of "The Hand." He wonders at the fact hands and arms come to life before waking to belie our total dependence on them in daily activities. Patients with symptoms of "musician's cramp" make Wilson aware of the difficulties sculptors, carvers, and surgeons experience. Wilson chooses as his mission exposing "hidden physical roots" of human capacity for passionate, creative work. He discusses anthropological, evolutionary, biomechanical and physiological features, as well as neurobehavioral and developmental perspectives of the human hand.

Through the ages of human history he explores cultural transformation of human beings and proposes "permanent immaturity" of the human brain. The author's underlying thesis is that people are innately resourceful, curious and willing to explore and learn over time and experience to become skillful and thoughtful. He claims the unique structure of the hand and its evolution in...