Galvani's Spark: The Story of the Nerve Impulse
"Galvani's Spark is an outstanding work of scholarship which will unquestionably prove to be a treasure house, as it is bursting with information, with scientific detail and with innumerable fascinating illustrations and references to the relevant literature. To do it full justice would almost require me to write another comprehensive volume, as this work embraces not only a vast amount of detailed scientific information, but also includes a number of delicious personal vignettes relating to the work, activities and views of many of the glitterati of neuroscience. In my opinion this book is a colossal achievement which will be widely read and enjoyed, not only by physiologists, but also by people like myself who have spent a lifetime in neurological practice." -- John Walton (Lord Walton of Detchant) Kt TD, MA, MD, DSc, FRCP, FMedSci, Former Professor of Neurology and Dean of Medicine, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Belford, Northumberland, UK"This excellent historical survey covers a fundamental area of modern neuroscience and neurobiology, namely the generation of the nerve impulse. McComas writes in a popular style with amusing anecdotes and his own commentaries and opinions, but there is no sacrifice of accuracy or erudition. It is all very easy to read. It should be widely enjoyed by neuroscientists, including those, now in the majority, who have grown up with little or no acquaintance with electrophysiology; indeed, it is entirely suitable for anybody interested in the way nerves work. McComas incidentally provides a serious teaching text by explaining and putting into context the major experiments underlying current understanding of the nerve impulse and synaptic transmission; thus he provides a stimulating introduction for both honours and doctoral students. Galvani's Spark can be warmly recommended." -- Peter Matthews MD, DSc, FRS, Emeritus Professor of Sensorimotor Physiology, Oxford University, UK"Alan McComas has made very significa