BOOKS

Origins of Neuroscience: A History of Explorations into Brain Function By Stanlq Finger New Yo&, Oxford University Press, 1994 462 pp, illustrated, $75.00

This scholarly book provides a selective history of neurology from its ancient roots in the eastern Mediterranean world and Asia until the early years of the 20th century. Dr Finger, a neuropsychologist, focuses on the historical development of knowledge about the functional organization of the brain. Thus, a large part of the book deals with the organization of the sensory systems, including vision, olfaction, taste, hear- ing, pain, and cutaneous sensation. This is followed by sec- tions devoted to motor systems, sleep, emotions, dreams, in- tellect, memory, speech, and cerebral dominance. The book closes with a brief history of neurological therapy from antiq- uity through the early years of this century and World War I.

This historical work emphasizes chiefly the behavioral and psychophysiological aspects of neurology rather than being anatomically based (like Clarke and O’Malley’s classic mono- graph, The Human Brain and Spinal Cord) or disease-based (like Garrison’s History of Neurology, revised so well by McHenry). The author deals little with the history of neuro- logical disease, neuropathology, neurophysiology, or the de- velopment of understanding about the cellular and neuro- chemical organization of the nervous system. The book might have been better titled, “Origins of Neuropsychology” or “Behavioral Neurology.” It is highly readable, beautifully il- lustrated, and fun to browse! Well annotated, it serves as an excellent source book as well. The book will appeal to many neurological readers, including the ardent neurological his- tory buff as well as the novice, seeking greater insight into the roots of neuropsychology and neurology.

Robert A. Fishman, M D San Francisco. C A

Alzheimer Disease Edited by Robert D. Terry, Robert Katzman, and Katherine L. Bick New York, Raven Press, 1994 472 pp, illustrated, $139.00

The editors bring together many of the world‘s experts on Alzheimer’s disease and offer a thorough and comprehensive update on all aspects of the disease. In my view, this is the best general reference available on this subject. It should be valuable to all physicians and scientists interested in any as- pect of Alzheimer’s disease.

The book consists of 28 chapters that are divided into the following seven sections: introduction and history, clinical presentation, epidemiology, confounding disorders, anatomi- cal pathology, biochemical pathology, and clinical manage- ment. Many of the major clinical and basic science advances in Alzheimer’s disease have occurred in the last 15 years. In general, the contributors to this book have played major roles in our understanding of each of the issues discussed. Though most of the chapters can stand alone; there is not an excessive amount of overlap. A major strength of most chap- ters is a thorough and up-to-date reference list.

There is now a huge diversity of clinicians as well as basic

and clinical investigators interested in Alzheimer’s disease. Much of the explosion of interest in the field has derived from extensive clinical, epidemiological, structural, chemical, genetic, and molecular information, all recently uncovered. This volume gives a current review of all relevant topics. In regard to basic science that may be relevant to Alzheimer’s disease, the potential role of the A@ amyloid peptide, the amyloid precursor protein, the genetics of familial Alzhei- mer’s disease, T protein, and apolipoprotein E are thoroughly discussed. There are also up-to-date discussions of clinical trials and the potential use of growth factors as treatments. Some of the chapters present opinions and hypotheses. Where this is the case, it is stated as such. Although prion diseases may not be directly related to Alzheimer disease, extensive biochemical, molecular, and genetic studies in hu- mans and animal models of these neurodegenerative disor- ders have in many ways progressed further than studies on Alzheimer’s disease. It may have been useful to include a chapter on this topic. Though certainly mentioned in several chapters, a specific chapter on Down’s syndrome and Alzhei- mer’s disease may have also been useful.

Overall, I think this work should be an invaluable resource for all those entering or who are already in the field. The background presented provides a basis for interpreting and developing new methods for diagnosis as well as providing information for interpreting new findings on (1) the molecu- lar genetics and biochemistry of Alzheimer’s disease and (2) how basic neurobiology and central nervous system function relate to the neurobiology of the disease.

David M. Holtzman, M D San Francisco, CA

Hanna’s Heirs By Daniel A. Pollen, M D New York, Oxford University Press, 1993 296 pp , illustrated, $25.00

Several years ago when the popular political journalist, George Will, reached 40 years of age he wrote that he be- lieved that the ability to remember a rose, its color, and fragrance was a uniquely human characteristic. Such memo- ries he maintained are the stuff that separates us from other beings. H e is not a neurologist or a neuroscientist and his premise is probably overstated, but the point he was trying to make was that over time one’s memories form a basis of one’s life. Certainly, we would all agree that the loss of mem- ory or any other cognitive skill, for that matter, is tragic at any time. Imagine anticipating such an experience in later life when generation after generation of your own ancestors have developed Alzheimers’s disease.

Daniel Pollen’s book describes such a family. More than that, he narrates a compelling historical account of how this family, several clinicians, and molecular genetics all came to- gether to study the genetic basis of Alzheimer’s disease. The book makes great reading for the busy clinician who feels the need to delve into something other than the Annals or the “green journal” without guilt. There are chapters on Mendel and Alzheimer as well as on the scientists who fol- lowed these two masters. The story of how Terry and Katz- man worked together during their early years in New York was terrific as was the formative years of the National Insti-

Copyright 0 1994 by the American Neurological Association 807