The object of the Society is to further the study of neuropathology, to promote the exchange of scientific and professional information by means of regular meetings, lectures and publications, and to provide the opportunity for discussions between neuropathologists in Britain and 'overseas'.
His career had spanned the years during which neuropathology began to be recognised as a specialty, rather than as merely applied neurology or psychiatry, and he was one of the first to regard himself as a neuropathologist.
[citation needed] By the time he retired from Queen Square in 1949 the advent of the National Health Service had seen the establishment of neurosurgical centres throughout the country, many with neuropathologists already in post.
In 1950 with a group of senior colleagues Greenfield started the Neuropathological Club, with 28 founder members.
This was not to everyone's approval: the neurologist Sir Francis Walshe commented with dismay that separate international meetings for neuropathologists and neurosurgeons tore “the seamless garment of neurology”.In 1962 the club had grown sufficiently for it to become more formal, and the name was changed to the British Neuropathological Society (BNS).1967 saw the founding of the International Society of Neuropathology, in which BNS members have played an active role, providing four of the Secretaries-General and two of the Presidents to date.