by Krishnagopal Dharani ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 19, 2014
An engaging, in-depth, and accessible book on brain function.
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An exhaustive look at the process behind the formation of thoughts and memories.
Debut author Dharani, a medical doctor, expounds on his “molecular-grid model” of thought generation in this work. He begins by explaining the anatomy of the human brain and nervous system before zeroing in on the composition and electrochemical functions of neurons and dendrites. Next, he describes how particular brain pathways are involved in the formation of various types of memory, including short-term and long-term memory as well as episodic and semantic memory (the latter involving accumulated, general knowledge). The fundamental unit of ideas and memories, he says, is a “primary thought,” which is “formed from each and every sensory input.” (Dharani uses the perception of the color blue as a particularly effective recurring example.) The ability to form primary thoughts, he says, appears to be inherited or possibly innate; they arise in response to everyday stimuli and sensations, he asserts, and they combine to form more complex ideas. He argues that such thoughts are generated in the “molecular grid” in the dendritic membrane, specifically, rather than in the whole neuron, and he details the protein interactions by which it works. Other sections explore the evolution of the mind and the differences between neurons and man-made computers. This well-structured book uses bullet points and frequent diagrams to ensure that its copious information is always reader-friendly. It also italicizes and boldfaces key words and phrases, which correspond with helpful entries in the glossary and index. One particular chapter, which goes deeper into the formation of memory traces and dendritic pleats, may be the most interesting section for general readers, as it discusses mental pathways that exist in utero and in newborns—which, he says, may explain artistic prodigies, such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Only one chapter, which discusses the metaphysics of thought, seems slightly out of place, as its philosophical theme contrasts with the remainder’s physiological focus.
An engaging, in-depth, and accessible book on brain function.Pub Date: Sept. 19, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-12-800900-0
Page Count: 248
Publisher: Academic Press
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2017
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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by William Strunk & E.B. White ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 15, 1972
Stricter than, say, Bergen Evans or W3 ("disinterested" means impartial — period), Strunk is in the last analysis...
Privately published by Strunk of Cornell in 1918 and revised by his student E. B. White in 1959, that "little book" is back again with more White updatings.
Stricter than, say, Bergen Evans or W3 ("disinterested" means impartial — period), Strunk is in the last analysis (whoops — "A bankrupt expression") a unique guide (which means "without like or equal").Pub Date: May 15, 1972
ISBN: 0205632645
Page Count: 105
Publisher: Macmillan
Review Posted Online: Oct. 28, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1972
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by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
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