Megabrain [Paperback]

Michael Hutchison (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 29, 1996

Scientists have learned more about the brain in the last decade than in all of previous history, and the implications of the latest research are clear: The human brain is far more powerful, and has the potential for immensely greater growth and transformation, than was ever before imagined. These discoveries may constitute the most significant development in learning since the invention of writing.

Michael Hutchison captures all the drama, excitement, and adventure as we finally begin to comprehend the most mysterious and complex structure in the universe, the source of human culture, a still untapped reservoir of power and skills. He looks at the recently developed machines and devices that may soon allow us to increase brain size and intelligence; regenerate brain cells; trigger specific brain states such as euphoria, long- and short-term memory, sexual excitement, and creativity; and control the brain's electrical activity in order to alter such "involuntary" mechanisms as blood pressure, heart rate, and the secretion of hormones. Megabrain is a lucid and lively account of where the pioneers in brain research are headed -- and where they are taking us.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Strap yourself into the Potentializer, then rotate within an electromagnetic field to boost your brain's alpha wave output and increase your mental powers. Is this science fiction? No, it's a machine being used by certain physicians, psychiatrists, chiropractors, ministers and scientists. Some of them claim it helps subjects achieve deep relaxation and expand their learning abilities. Hutchison (The Book of Floating here maps the little-known world of "brain machines"computerized devices, neuroelectric stimulators and microelectrodes that, by some accounts, enable their adventurous users to undo creative blocks, recall long-past experiences and attain states of euphoria or meditation. The author also investigates methods for rapid learning, focusing encyclopedic memory and recall; biofeedback and flotation tanks are scrutinized as well. Hutchison's belief that "the time is right for machines of this sort" may make readers wary as they wade through this startling report on a new frontier. February 19
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Have we arrived at a time when we are able to improve mental ability by apply ing various kinds of stimulation to our brains and bodies? Maybe we're mov ing there, but not yet. This is a breezy, information-packed description of re cent work to develop devices to en hance cognition, evoke relaxation/med itation states, or inspire creativity. Science writer-novelist Hutchison has tried many of these devicesAlpha- Stim, HemiSynch, etc.and is very excited. He warns there are no full sci entific reviews for most of these de vices; but stronger warnings about some possible ill effects epileptic sei zure, emotional upset, mental confu sionare in order. The author's review of some recent neuroscience findings that inspired some of these machines is excellent. George Adelman, formerly Neurosciences Research Program, MIT, Brookline, Mass.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (September 29, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345410327
• ISBN-13: 978-0345410320
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #894,526 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, valuable Mega Resource, January 10, 2001

By 

Robert Kall "Rob Kall of Opednews.com" (Newtown, PA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Megabrain (Paperback)

This is THE book on Mind machines and technology aimed at helping people take control of their consciousness and mental states. It discusses sound and light machines, biofeedback and a wide range of other technologies. It was way ahead of its time when it originally appeared, and I don't know of any other book that has updated it, other than MegaBrain Zones, also by Mike Hutchison. This book is a great way to get a handle on the technologies available for exploring consciousness.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptionally clear and stimulating, September 12, 2004

By 

Jacques de Schryver (Strasbourg, Al France) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Megabrain (Paperback)

I read this book in 1986 and bought it back several time since. I learned a lot. I was fully satisfied and that spured me into buying a lot of other books.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars brilliant - a "must-read", March 2, 2000

By 

"76702765" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Megabrain (Paperback)

If you have an interest in consciousness and the potential of the human mind - and how to increase/expand it - then buy and read this book. It's one of the most definitive on the topic!