Chemical Transmission of Nerve Impulses: A Historical Sketch is a translation of the French edition ""Les Transmissions chimiques de l'influx nerveux"" published by Gauthier-Villars in Paris.
Organized into 12 chapters, this book begins with a discussion on the definition and importance of the phenomenon of chemical transmission, with chapters specifically devoted to both cholinergic and adrenergic ones. This text then elucidates the general organization of the nervous system in vertebrates. The opposition to the theory of chemical transmission and the state of comparative physiology with regard to chemical transmission are also explained.
Inhalt
Preface to the English Edition
Preface to the French Edition
1. Definition and Importance of the Phenomenon of Chemical Transmission
2. General Organization of the Nervous System in Vertebrates
3. The Forerunners
4. Cholinergic Transmission
4.1. First Phase. The Parasympathetic Division of the Autonomic Nervous System
4.1.1. The Fundamental Experiments of Loewi on the Amphibian Heart
4.1.2. Extension of Loewi's Concept to the Whole Parasympathetic Innervation in Mammals
4.1.3. Problems of Nomenclature
4.2. Second Phase. The Cholinergic Nature of the Motor Nerves to Striated Muscles and the Preganglionic Fibers of the Autonomic Nervous System
4.2.1. Striated Muscle
4.2.2 Preganglionic Fibers
5. Adrenergic Transmission
6. The Progress of Biochemical Research
6.1. Acetylcholine Synthesis and Studies of Cholinesterases
6.2. Catecholamine Synthesis
7. The Opposition to the Theory of Chemical Transmission
8. Some Blind Alleys
9. Comparative Physiology
10. The Triumph: The Central Nervous System
11. Working in Sir Henry Dale's Department
12. Scientists and Science
12.1. Europe versus the U.S.A.
12.2. The Adventurous Spirit; The Flair
12.3. The Power and Simplicity of Facts and Their Utilization
12.4. The Diversity of Temperaments
A Few Complementary References