This comprehensive reference is destined to become the definitive anatomical basis for all molecular neuroscience research. The three volumes provide a complete overview and comparison of the structural organisation of all vertebrate groups, ranging from amphioxus and lamprey through fishes, amphibians and birds to mammals. It covers and synthesises one and a half century's research, placing it in the context of the wealth of the findings obtained with modern techniques. This thus allows a systematic treatment of the concepts and methodology found in modern comparative neuroscience.
The large specialised section of the work, devoted to the central nervous system of the various vertebrate groups, is preceded by introductory chapters dealing with neurons, cell masses, fibre tracts, morphogenesis, histogenesis, principles, methodology and techniques.
Although focusing on structure, the authors provide functional correlations throughout. This monumental work is, and will remain, unique; the only source of such brilliant illustrations at both the macroscopic and microscopic levels.
General Introductory Part
1 Structure and function of the cellular elements in the CNS
2 Structure and organization of centres
3 Structure and organisation of fibre systems
4 Morphogenesis and general morphology
5 Histogenesis and general structure
6 Comparative neuroanatomy: Place, principles and programme
7 Notes on techniques
Specialised Part
8 Introduction
9 Amphioxus
10 Lampreys
11 Hagfishes
12 Cartilaginous fishes
13 Brachiopterygian fishes
14 Chondrostean fishes
15 Holosteans and teleosts
16 Lungfishes
17 The coelacanth, Latimeria chalumnae
18 Urodele amphibians
19 Anuran amphibians
20 Reptiles
21 Birds
22 Mammals
General Concluding Part
23 Brain size in vertebrates
24 The meaning of it all
"The new synthesis by R. Nieuwenhuys and colleagues is stunning and represents a level of scholarship that is rarely achieved in any field. The quality and uniformity of the illustrations are remarkable. [...] of immense value to contemporary neurobiologists."
– Nature