An American contribution to neuroscience: the Brain Research Institute, UCLA, 1959—1984

JOHN D. FRENCH, DONALD B. LINDSLEY, and H. W. MAGOUN, An American contribution to neuroscience: the Brain Research Institute, UCLA, 1959-1984, Los Angeles, University of California Brain Research Institute: UCLA Publication Service Department, 1984, 8vo, pp. vii, 325, illus., $37.50. California is the home of many remarkable institutions, and after only twenty-five years in existence the Brain Research Institute of the University of California at Los Angeles qualifies for this epithet. To relate early in its career the way in which it was created, how it has developed, and its multifarious activities, together with accounts of its founders (three of whom are the authors of this admirable survey) and of its staff and their research demonstrates commendable enlightenment. Admittedly, historical perspective is hereby to some extent sacrificed, but, on the other hand, personal aspects of plans, negotiations, research, and aspirations can be recorded by those who have been closely involved with the early years of a thriving centre of excellence. Historians of the future will welcome the details and the intimate biographical sketches, material that may not be available for future commendatory volumes. The wide range of neuroscientific researches carried out at the Institute is especially noteworthy and will be reviewed by others. However, amongst them is a Neuroscience History Program under the guidance of Dr Louise H. Marshall, which is devoted to the history of the neurosciences in America. Its achievements, together with those at UCLA in medical history before the BRI was established and due to the enthusiasm and scholarship of Professors Magoun and C.D. O'Malley, Dr M.A.B. Brazier, and others are impressive. It is of interest to note that the only other comparable enterprise was not begun until 1984, due in this case to the inspiration and efforts of Oxford's Waynflete Professor of Physiology, Colin Bakemore. As far as the history of the neurosciences is concerned, our American colleagues have provided us with a stimulating challenge.