This book contains a large collection of beautiful figures produced throughout the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century and that represent some characteristic examples of the early days of research in neuroscience. The main aim of this work is to demonstrate to the general public that the study of the nervous system is not only important for the many obvious reasons related to brain function in both health and disease, but also for the unexpected natural beauty that it beholds. This beauty has been discovered thanks to the techniques used to visualize the microscopic structure of the brain, a true forest of colourful and florid neural cells. As illustrated by his marvellous drawings, the studies of Santiago Ramon y Cajal (1852-1934) no doubt contributed more than those of any other researcher at the time to the growth of modern neuroscience. Thus, we have honored his name in the title of this book, even though the figures contained in the main body of the book are from 91 authors. Looking at the illustrations in this book the readers will not only marvel at Cajal's drawings but they will also find that many of the other early researchers that studied the nervous system were also true artists, of considerable talent and aesthetic sensibility. Thus, the present book contains numerous drawings of some of the most important pioneers in neuroscience, including Deiters, Koelliker, Meynert, Ranvier, Golgi, Retzius, Nissl, Dogiel, Alzheimer, del Rio-Hortega and de Castro. The book has been divided into two Parts, Part I and II, the latter containing the main body of the work. Part I contains introductory information that will give readers unfamiliar with the nervous system a better understanding of the importance of the scientific illustrations produced in those days. The second part of the book, Part II, contains the collection of 282 figures with the intention of transforming the reader into an observer. These illustrations have been divided in three main categories: Section I, The Benedictine period: The early days; Section II, The black period: Neurons, glia and organization of the nervous system; Section III, The colourful period: internal structure and chemistry of the cells. This book will be of general interest, not only due to the captivating aesthetic appeal of the illustrations but also because they represent the bases of our current understanding of the nervous system. The reader will find that many of the illustrations can be considered to belong to different artistic movements, such as modernism, surrealism, cubism, abstract art or impressionism. Indeed, these illustrations may also provide artists with a source of inspiration since they reveal a fantastic and virtually unknown world of forms, a microuniverse with an aura of mystery.

About the Author
Javier DeFelipe, PhD is a Research Professor at the Instituto Cajal (CSIC) located in his hometown, Madrid, Spain. The particular expertise of Javier DeFelipe lies in the microanatomy of the cerebral cortex. Since 1991, the main focus of his team has been directed at understanding the neurochemical and microanatomical characteristics of the neocortex and of the hippocampal formation. The information that has been obtained regarding the normal organization of these cortical regions has been used to investigate the possible alterations that might occur in these structures in epilepsy and Alzheimer disease. Another of his principal interests is in the study of the history of our current understanding of important aspects of cortical organization and function. In particular, he is interested in the origins and the roots of cortical histology and circuitry.

Reviews
Javier DeFelipe should be congratulated on assembling such a beautiful book about the earliest microscopic investigations of the nervous system conducated at the end of the 19th century and early 20th century...This book is a wonderful addition to the library of any neuroscientist or neurologist. It is worthy of attention of artists who enjoy the beauty of the natural world. * The Lancet Neurology *
I recommend this book unreservedly; and I thank Javier DeFelipe and Oxford University Press for giving us so much beauty. * Brain *
...exquisitely illustrated...This book represents the best collection of illustrations and succinct text about the history of discovery of microscopic neuroanatomy I have ever read. The book is attractively priced and should delight anyone with an interest in the nervous system. Encased within a striking dust jacket, sturdy spine, and boards, this book would make a perfect gift to graudating house staff. * Edward J. Fine, MD, FAAN, Neurology *
Dr. DeFelipe's book is not just a cofee-table book for viewing century-old stunning pictorial images, it is a highly relevant text for today. Should you spend $75 on this book? If you do, I can guarantee that you will have hours of wonder, gazing at the illustrations and not believing what you see - that is until you next look down your microscope. * Roy O. Weller, Emeritus Professor of Neuropathology, University of Southampton School of Medicine *
...it [the book] is a stunningly gorgeous work with two-hundred-and-eighty-eight incredible images. Anyone who is in need of content for their coffee table, this is it. The illustrations are just breathtaking, purely and simply, and, of course, naturally. It is...invaluable. I highly recommend it; there is brilliant text as well. * Benjamin Erlich, Just One of the Guys...In Search of Cosmic Wisdom. *
The book is an education in the fundamental concepts behind today's brain research as well as an inspired vision of science as an artistic and aesthetic enterprise. * Gordon M. Shepherd, MD, DPhil, Department of Neurobiology, Yale Medical School, New Haven, CT *



Book Information
ISBN 9780195392708
Author Javier DeFelipe
Format Hardback
Page Count 424
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 2g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 289mm * 22mm