The Human Nervous System. Basic Elements of Structure and Function

THE HUMAN NERVOUS SYSTEM. BASIC ELEMENTS OF STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION. By Charles R. Noback. Illustrated by Robert J. Dimarest. New York, McGraw-Hill Book Co., 1967. 281 pp. $13.95. Present pressing needs and time allocations call for an authoritative and accurate neuroanatomy textbook, pleasantly introducing the reader to a formidable and rapidly developing field without sacrificing adequate coverage and explanation. Artful physiological and medical correlations and clear illustrations strongly support the Noback response. And sections on gross anatomy, histology, basic neurophysiology, and embryology nicely complete the presentation without unduly lengthening the text. Unfortunately, the introductory chapter will perplex and frustrate the neophyte, introducing terms with insufficient explanation and illustration. Such initial experience can be destructive for those of little perserverance. Illustrations, though as a whole excellent in clear instruction, contain some labeling errors. The very helpful atlas of the brainstem, comprising the final pages of the book, could beneficially be expanded, as could the index. The frequency of spelling, grammatical, and printing errors demands a more careful job of editing. The troublesome mistakes detract from the reasonable compromise between depth and length, the appealing layout and illustrations, and the interesting and readable presentation. But with a careful second edition, the text would undoubtedly become the choice of many, even at five cents per page. KENNETH A. KHOURY