Nothing tends so much to the advancement of knowledge as the application of a new instrument. - Sir Humphry Davy, 1778-1829 Neuroscience has become a rapidly expanding endeavor that relies on a number of other sciences, such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering, computer sci- ence, general biology and medicine, genetics etc. In fact, many of its recent success- es result from the application of ideas and methods borrowed from these fields. In- sofar, it is a true interdisciplinary undertaking. This convergence of influences ac- counts for part of its enormous attractiveness and...

"Theorizing about brain functions is often considered slightly disreputable and anyhow a waste of time -perhaps even 'philoso- ical'" 1 P. S. CHURCHLAND At present there are no unanimously accepted general con cepts of brain operation and function. This is especially the case with regard to so-called "higher" functions such as per ception, memory or the coupling between sensory input and motor output. There are a number of different reasons for this. Some may be related to experimental limitations allowing the simultaneous recording of the activities of only a restricted number of neurones....