Ray S. Snider

Neuroanatomy: A Programmed Text

rysms left surgically unmolested under good medical management. The preliminary report of the cooperative study, announced by Sahs, reveais that of 857 cases of aneurysm nonsurgically managed 331 (38%) remained alive (after how long?). Of the 526 dead, 40% died within the first week, while for others death came in an exponentially diminishing curve thereafter. It is obvious that these nonsurgical cases include all too ill to tolerate surgery. We are not supplied with the death rate among the selected better risks surgically handled. The remarkable results of hypotensive management reported by Slosberg are extremely encouraging, although they are few and require confirmation. His death rate ( 6 of 36) was for the most part among surgically poor risks and was close to zero in patients under 50 who would have been deemed suitable for surgery. Other questions that remain largely unanswered concern the problem as to which aneurysms, if surgically managed, should be attacked directly (perhaps with hypothermia) and which should be treated by carotid ligation. Further, is carotid ligation of any real value, since it can not guarantee safety from rupture of an aneurysm on the same side and increases pressure on the other side where a potentially lethal aneurysm may lurk. There is no doubt that in many cases surgery is lifesaving and the treatment of choice. There is equally no doubt that in others the better course is nonsurgical. The trick is to make the distinction. This excellent book stimulates, though it does not answer, these questions.

The Septum of the Cat

This small volume represents a continuation of the interest which Ilr. Andy and associates have had for several years in thc comparative anatomy and comparative physiology of the septum. The book is divided into 3 parts: (1) a cytoarchitectonic study, with small hut well-rcproduced photographs of the 8 nuclear groiips, ( 2 ) a stereotaxic atlas with well-defilled coordinates, and ( 3 ) ;I 10-page review of the literature on “physiologic and behavioral changes associated with electrical stimulatim and lesions in the septum.” Cytologically the septum has been divided into dorsal, ventral, medial, and caudal cellular groups which, in turn, have becn subdivided into 8 nuclci. This schema follows that found for the primates (Galago demidovii) and the Soricidae and represents the most detailed analysis yet made of these animals. A short summary points out similarities and differences. The physiological and behavioral data are concisely preseiitcd along with a well-chosen literature review. They are divided into effects of electrical stimulation and lesions or both on (1) motor systems, ( 2 ) reproductive system, ( 3 ) autonomic system, (4) self-stimulation, (5) drug effects, (6) sensory systems, (7) evoked potentials and after-discharges, and (8) hippocampus. This reviewer was favorably impressed with the clarity, conciseness, and acwmcy of presentation and feels that the authrxs have brought together a commendable volume that