While psychology has advanced our understanding of human behavior, various other sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, and biology, have determined the critical importance of synapses and, through the use of advanced technology, made it possible actually to see brain cells at work within the skull's walls. Here Jean-Pierre Changeux elucidates our current knowledge of the human brain, taking an interdisciplinary approach and explaining in layman's terms the complex theories and scientific breakthroughs that have significantly improved our understanding in the twentieth century.

    It is not any one of the intermediate forms connecting modern man to his apelike ancestors. It is something much more challenging -- the early human mind. How did it come into existence? And why?

    A new feature is an introductory discussion of the mechanisms of gene regulation, while the superfamily of molecules responsible formembrane signaling is given new emphasis as a unifying theme throughout molecular and cellular neurobiology. The roles of these molecules in impulse conduction and synaptic transmission are fully explained, and illustrated by computer models. For the first time in a neurobiology text, thesemechanisms can be explored by using a state-of-the-art interactive computer program provided with an accompanying tutorial handbook. In the sections dealing with neural systems, the comparative approach continues to be used to illustrate general principles. Students learn about the progress beingmade toward a molecular basis for sensory perception and new methods for revealing the neural activity underlying sensory and motor functions are described. There is an emphasis on the plasticity of both sensory and the motor circuits in mediating functions that reflect the effects of activity orrecovery from injury. Central systems continue to be featured as the culmination of neural evolution. These include the systems vital for all animals, such as sleeping, feeding and reproduction, as well as the systems for language, emotion and higher cognitive functions that reach their peak inhumans. There is special emphasis on recent work on memory, contrasting the mechanisms for short-term working memory and long-term memory and summarizing the present understanding of the mechanisms of long-term potential. The twin themes of organizational levels and comparative systems help bringtogether the vast range of studies and provides a conceptual framework that unifies the field of neurobiology. As in previous editions, the text continues to draw on the advantages of having a single author. In addition, leaders in a number of specialties have assisted the author, so that the textrepresents the most up-to-date views of current research on the nervous system.

    The practical orientation and broad coverage appeal to researchers and academics working in theoretical physics, physical chemistry, and related fields.In the third edition of this classic the chapter on quantum Marcov processes has been replaced by a chapter on numerical treatment of stochastic differential equations to make the book even more valuable for practitioners.From the reviews: "Extremely well written and informative... clear, complete, and fairly rigorous treatment of a larger number of very basic concepts in stochastic theory." (Journal of Quantum Electronics)"A first class book." (Optica Acta)"Ideal for people who need a clear introduction to stochastic mathematics and their applications in physical sciencesa ] an excellent self study and reference book." (Quantnotes.com)"This well-established volume takes a supreme position [among the many books on the subject].. This extremely valuable contribution to the field of applied stochastic methods can be recommended to graduate students, researchers, and university teachers." (Optimization)