The neurosciences. Third study program

The Neurosciences: Third Study Program is based on the most recent NRP conference that took place in Boulder, Colorado, during the summer of 1972 and covers twelve topics that have been selected as especially significant and catalytic trends in neuroscience research.

Abstract

features, superficial synovial structures and the innervation of the skin being given; and then under 'special considerations' the topography of clinically or experimentally important areas is described.Radiological anatomy is not included.Bovine anatomy is emphasized, ard the pig receives considerable attention, as do sheep, horse and dog.The cat is mentioned occasionally but rodents and lagomorphs are omitted.Some aspects of the anatomy of the chicken are in- cluded.References are given to over 100 original articles.There is an index of authors and a fairly comprehensive subject index.The book is logically arranged, carefully planned, with cross references in the text and detailed references to the illustrations: these are the outstanding features of the book, enabling the reader to follow up a topic easily and quickly.The main difficulty in writing this type of book, as the author hints in his Foreword, is in selecting the material.In the event there are some surprising omissions (e.g.topography of the valves of the heart) and some topics seem to receive inadequate attention (e.g.abdominal topography during pregnancy).The terminology, in the main, follows that of the N.A.V. but there are some exceptions: the terminology applied to the meninges of the spinal cord would be extremely puzzling to many students.The quality of the illustrations is good, but a greater number of simple line diagrams would have saved the need for the detailed verbal descriptions given of some parts.Dr Berg has brought into one volume a considerable mass of clinically orientated topographical anatomy.The methodical presentation may encourage some veterinary surgeons and students with a knowledge of German to use the book, but its main appeal will be to teachers of veterinary anatomy, medicine and surgery; for them it will undoubtedly prove a useful reference work.Some attempt has been made to meet the needs of those undertaking research on farm animals, but choosing subjects is, of course, always difficult and it is doubtful if the author has been very successful in this respect.The quality of paper and binding is good, and the book should stand up to frequent handling under fairly severe conditions.