From Neuron to Brain: A Cellular and Molecular Approach to the Function of the Nervous System, Fourth Edition [Hardcover]

John G. Nicholls (Author), A. Robert Martin (Author), Bruce G. Wallace (Author), Paul A. Fuchs (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0878934391 | ISBN-13: 978-0878934393 | Publication Date: January 15, 2001 | Edition: 4 Sub

In the 25 years since From Neuron to Brain was first published, the authors' aim has remained constant—to describe how nerve cells go about their business of transmitting signals, how the signals are put together, and how, out of this integration, higher functions emerge. The new Fourth Edition, while maintaining this focus, has been completely reformatted and updated. <P>The emphasis, as before, is on experiments, and on the way they are carried out. Using a narrative approach, the authors follow a line from the original inception of a new idea to an account of research being done today. The wealth of new facts, techniques, and concepts, however, presented a challenge in keeping the book to a manageable size. Inevitably, the authors have had to delete descriptions of certain classical experiments. <P>Largely in response to readers' comments, elements of format and presentation have been changed for this new edition—more headings have been introduced, the paragraphs are shorter, and the illustrations, now in full color, have been clarified. As in previous editions, references are cited throughout the text, and appendices are provided to help readers unfamiliar with the nervous system deal with essential facts and definitions. <P>Intended for use in upper-level undergraduate, graduate, psychology, and medical school Neuroscience courses, From Neuron to Brain will be of interest to anyone, with or without a specialized background in biological sciences, who is curious about the workings of the nervous system. It presents a readable and coherent account of how cellular and molecular approaches can provide insights into the workings of the brain.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"From Neuron to Brain has no peer as a comprehensive, yet concise and readable, introduction to the principles of functional neuroscience. This Fourth Edition continues to provide fresh, elegantly lucid explanations along with beautiful illustrations that perfectly complement the written text. The coverage is broad, deep and scholarly. Beginner and senior scientist alike will want to own and savor this book." --Denis Baylor, Stanford University School of Medicine

About the Author

JOHN G. NICHOLLS, SISSA, Trieste, Italy. - PAUL A. FUCHS, John Hopkins University School of Medicine. - A. ROBERT MARTIN, University of Colorado School of Medicine. - BRUCE G. WALLACE, University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 679 pages
• Publisher: Sinauer Associates; 4 Sub edition (January 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0878934391
• ISBN-13: 978-0878934393
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #40,528 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #25 in Books > Medical Books > Basic Sciences > Cell Biology

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive update of a neuroscience classic, August 7, 2002

By 

John Stagliano (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From Neuron to Brain: A Cellular and Molecular Approach to the Function of the Nervous System, Fourth Edition (Hardcover)

This highly readable textbook is probably the only one that has successfully dealt with the explosive growth of research and discovery in the exciting field of neuroscience. The 4th edition of the classic by Kuffler and Nicholls maintains the clear, logical and coherent presentation of its predecessors while keeping up with the latest work involving a range of techniques, from molecular genetics to functional MRI. The book's emphasis on the experimental and intellectual basis of knowledge in the field makes it ideal for graduate and advanced graduate students, even those with limited scientific background. It is doubtless no accident that the relatively compact new edition has kept the breadth and depth of earlier editions without becoming unwieldy. Its only real shortcoming is its hefty price, although it is still below most of the competition. It would be nice to see a paperback edition.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great introductory book on neuroscience, August 11, 2005

By 

Ann Lee "Ann" (CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: From Neuron to Brain: A Cellular and Molecular Approach to the Function of the Nervous System, Fourth Edition (Hardcover)

I am a physics graduate student who happen to become interested in neuroscience. I had been searching for an introductory book when I stumbled upon this one. Although I am only half-way through the book right now, I could already tell that it is exactly what a newcomer to this field would need. With the terminology clearly defined, the book gives a very concise, clear, and logic description on the fundamentals. It further keeps one's interest high by relating the fundamental knowledges to everyday experiences. What I like most about this book is that it does not shy away from pointing out what is not yet known. With the last chapter devoted to "open questions", it presents the real questions to be answered. This book is really perfect. Highly recommended.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Neurophysiology (History & Evolution), June 10, 2004

By 

Joseph J Grenier "jjg MD PhD" (Aurora, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: From Neuron to Brain: A Cellular and Molecular Approach to the Function of the Nervous System, Fourth Edition (Hardcover)

This book is similar in format and style to Principles of Neural Science by Kandel, Schwartz, & Jessell. Nicholls book is half the length of Kandel's, yet just as good. Colored drawings & diagrams are laced throughout the text. It is strongest in auditory physiology, synaptic transmission, vision physiology, & neural development. Clear graphs and line-drawings of intracellular and extracellular recordings abound. Give this book its chance. It should be on the reading list for Medical & Graduate School.