This textbook provides an introduction to neuroscience, focusing particularly on the rapidly developing aspects. The techniques of molecular biology are introduced and described in the context of their role in elucidating brain function at the molecular level.

Neurobiologists are bound to differ in their perceptions of what the discipline of molecular neurobiology should encompass. We have taken the view that molecular neurobiology should cover any aspect of brain science that uses the techniques of modern molecular biology, though we accept the fact that classification of a technique as a "biochemical* or "molecular biological* one is in itself somewhat arbitrary. Each chapter of this volume sets out to identify a clear problem in neurobiology and to place it in its context within the literatu- i.e., indicating how the solution of the problem will...