Principles of Neural Science, Fifth Edition (Principles of Neural Science (Kandel)) 5th Edition

This is a massive volume that provides a detailed sense of "the principles of neural science," the work's title. Basic statistics: the book weighs about nine pounds; it is 1709 pages long; it has 67 chapters; there are six appendices; 79 authors are involved; the book is divided up into 9 parts, each with numerous chapters. To compare, the fourth edition (published in 2000) had about 1400 pages. This volume is not meant for a general audience, but it is a wonderful resource for those who can work their way through its many chapters. I have found earlier volumes in this series very helpful for one part of my academic research agenda (the political implications of human biology).Let's take a look at the structure of the volume, to illustrate the substance of the book. Part I provides an overall perspective on the scope of the book. The chapters examine the role of the brain in behavior, a summary of nerve cells and their function, and the relationship between genes, the brain, and behavior. With this serving as an introduction, Part II goes on to examine cells and the molecular biology of the neuron. Among subjects covered: The structure and nature of neurons and glial cells (which support neurons) and the electrical properties of neurons. Part III focuses on synapses, which provide for communication between and among neurons. How do synapses operate? What are chemical and electrical modes of operation? What is the role of neurotransmitters? Finally, this section considers diseases of the nerve and systems that they support.Part IV is very important for my research interests--"The Neural Basis of Cognition." How does the brain and its structure affect cognition Chapter 15 describes the structure of the central nervous system and how the cerebral cortex, for example, affects cognition. In the chapter is a discussion of how the cerebral cortex is organized by layers AND by columns. Other important chapters in this section include effects on cognitive functioning of the brain outside the cerebral cortex and how functional imaging of cognition works (and the limitations with the use of such technology).Part V summarizes our understanding of perception, how we come to experience the world around us. Subjects? The somatosensory system, touch, pain, vision (with five chapters devoted to the subject), the inner ear, hearing, and smell and taste. Part VI? Movement. The chapters herein explore the various elements in making movement possible. We learn of the different brain areas and other support systems underlying movement and locomotion.How do people process information? Part VII concentrates on this, and this segment is also of relevance for my own research interests. Part VIII targets development and emergence of behavior. The one chapter in this section that is most poignant to me is Chapter 59--"The Aging Brain." The chapter speaks to what we know of the effects of aging on the brain and its functioning. Finally, section IX, "Language, Affect, and Learning." These represent key issues of interest in our understanding of central features of being human.This book is not something that most of us would skim. But it is a compendium that well illustrates what we know about the structure and function of the brain. For those interested in the subject, this is an important work.

I do not need this text (done with my education a long time ago), but read it for pure fun every now and then. Do not need it for work. Perhaps the fact that I read this when I feel like it, not when I must, increases the pleasure of experiencing it.The text is a very thorough description of the current status of knowledge, including the current confusions in the minds of neuroscientists when it comes to "mind", "consciousness" and the like. I never stop being shocked how obviously smart people find "controversy" or that something is "unknown", when in other parts of the text they show clear answers.For example, in chapter 17 Dr. Kandel describes how Penrose was able to establish the cortical representation of sensation by stimulating the cortex in awake patients and asking them what they felt, obviously demonstrating that stimulation of certain areas of the cortex brought specific things into the patients' consciousness, that they were then able to report verbally to the surgeon who was doing the stimulation. Yet, a few pages later in the text, Dr. Kandel writes about a fierce debate between philosophers of mind about the nature of consciousness "because it is difficult to see how consciousness might be explained in reductionist physical terms." Well, he just did, a few pages before that, by describing Penrose's experiment.Puzzling.But apart from a few such details this is the greatest text for anyone wishing to inform themselves about the function of the human brain.

I am a urologist specializing in neurologically impaired patients so I read Kandels newest edition once they become available. This edition is superb with colorful and easily understood illustrations, diagrams and radiology studies including PET scans. The print is very legible and the spacing is perfect. It took a month to read the 1700 pages but its the best book i have read these last 10 years with Bruce Alberts Molecular Biology of the Cell whose 6th edition should be out later this year. I really found the molecular biology and anatomy chapter the perfect reintroduction for me. It provided me with the perfect detail and understanding for a paper I am writing on Strokes and their Effect on the Bladder. The disease specific Chapters on Stroke, Parkinsons, Multiple Sclerosis each are well detailed but with excellent explanations of the principles necessary for the clinician to get a strong hold on this relevant material. These chapters should be standard reading for all medical students and residents. The radiological studies chosen to illustrate these disease entities are the best i have seen and explain what is important to know and understand for each type of stroke, progressive MS or non progressive MS. I purchased it early after its release new for 70 dollars so with its success it will soon be a classic at 100 plus dollars and will still be worth every penny. I will now use this to teach my students the fundamentals of a neurological exam and to emphasis the commonly seen neurological disease seen by urologists. Thank you Dr Kandel for a book well worth the 7 year wait.