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Cerebral Cortex: Extrastriate Cortex in Primates (Vol. 12)
B OO K clarity of discussion that runs throughout the text. One obstacle to obtaining this book is the cost involved. However, researchers and students working in the field will find the book worth the price because of the in-depth coverage of such a wide range of topics. In conclusion, this is an excellent book and should be compulsory reading for all students of the central auditory system. It
contains history and current research but, additionally, it suggests the direction of future research. It honors the late R. Bruce Masterton and is a fitting tribute to him and his research. It is appropriate that Masterton himself opens the book with a historical overview of the study of auditory cortex. This is probably the best summary of ablation behavior techniques in the last 20 years. Masterton’s contribu-
Cerebral Cortex: Extrastriate Cortex in Primates (Vol. 12) edited by Kathleen S. Rockland, Jon H. Kaas and Alan Peters, 1997. $159.50 (xxi + 844 pages) ISBN 0 306 45530 7 This book (Vol. 12 in the series Cerebral Cortex) is an impressive synopsis of past and present endeavors of researchers aiming to gain a better understanding of the structure and function of the higher levels of visual cortex in primates. This is the third volume dedicated to the visual system in this series and its existence is a tribute to the explosion in research in the field. In Vol. 3, Visual Cortex, published in 1985, evidence from the entire visual cortex of single species could be summarized in single chapters. A few years ago, Vol. 10 was wholly dedicated to the Primary Visual Cortex in Primates and now, Vol. 12 presents current knowledge and thought concerning the Extrastriate Cortex in Primates. If history repeats itself, we should soon see separate volumes of Cerebral Cortex dedicated to different extrastriate cortical areas. In their preface, the editors describe some of the major problems facing cortical vision research. These include conflicting terminologies for the different cortical areas, defining the precise extent of extrastriate visual cortex and the validity of the current hierarchical models. It seems that a single issue is at the root of these problems: different scientific groups use different methods and, especially, different criteria to define cortical areas. This is plainly stated by several contributors in this text but none of them would venture so far as to propose a solution to overcome this problem. Though at first it seemed esoteric to devote the first chapter to a short history of visual cortex, in reality it provided a cautionary reminder for the rest of the book, that is, a restraint on the temptation to take the interpretations presented by the various contributors at face value. Just as, at every step in history, our predecessors’ interpretation of the world extended only as far as the limitations of their investigative techniques, cultural biases and knowledge would allow them, so it is with us today.
The book is divided into 17 chapters, written by some of the most prominent scientists in the field today. It presents historical, philosophical and analytical perspectives on our understanding of extrastriate cortex in both human and nonhuman primates. After Gross’ historical introduction, chapters two to six address the question of how to define cortical areas in the visual system and canvas most of the known approaches to this question, including hodology (Rockland), comparisons between the anatomy and physiology of different primates (Kaas), visuotopic mapping (Rosa) and information transfer characteristics within the visual system (Nowak and Bullier). Functional imaging as a tool to investigate the human visual cortex is also reviewed by Gulyas towards the end of the book. Seven more chapters detail what is known about some well-studied extrastriate cortical areas – V2 (two chapters, one by Wang Roe and Ts’o and a second by Peterhans), MT/V5 (Orban), STP (Cusick), infero-temporal cortex (Tanaka), inferior parietal cortex (Siegel and Read) and the visuomotor areas of the frontal lobe (Schall). Unfortunately, no chapter is dedicated to area V4 about which so much is already known and which is still under active investigation. A summary of the latest findings in this area would have been welcome to many, especially in view of some recent disputes about the boundaries of V4 and its long-claimed contribution to color and form perception in human and non-human primates. Area V4 is not omitted completely, but readers are left to glean what they can from other chapters that mention it briefly. However, the information presented on the included topics is generally extensive and emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to the study of extrastriate cortex. Almost all authors have tried to integrate evidence from several different experimental paradigms into their synopses and hopefully this attitude may one day help to resolve some of the conflicts outlined above.
tions to the field of auditory neuroscience were the beginnings of the interdisciplinary approach apparent today. His ideas have spawned years of research, the details of which are well-covered in this book. Karen Glendenning Dept of Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1270, USA.
Neuronal functions at the subcellular and molecular levels are relatively unexplored in extrastriate cortex. It was, therefore, encouraging to find two chapters dedicated to these largely underinvestigated, yet important, issues. These were cellular mechanisms of plasticity, by Rodman and Moore, and basic neurochemical characteristics (cytochrome oxidase reactivity, myeloarchitecture, neurotransmitter receptor distribution) in different extrastriate areas, by Zilles and Clarke. Ultimately, however, the reader is left with a hunger for more. It would be particularly exciting to see the emergence of studies of subcellular function correlated with physiological and behavioral phenomena. The rapid advancement of knowledge and understanding of the cortical visual system in primates makes it especially suitable for a new phase of investigation, both at a deeper, cellular level, and at a higher, computational level. Zeki’s last chapter in the book directs the reader to such a ‘higher’ question – that of the physical basis (if there is one) of consciousness in the visual system, which demonstrates how great insights can be gained from the study of human beings with discrete extrastriate lesions. This book brings together detailed accounts of anatomical, physiological, psychophysical and functional imaging studies in extrastriate visual cortex, while providing a historical sense of the development of ideas and interpretations in this field. In addition, it makes a particularly significant contribution to visual research by enabling the reader to evaluate critically the evidence presented in the book and external sources of reference. Though some issues are emphasized to the detriment of others, and the logical flow of topics is not always intuitively obvious, I highly recommend Vol. 12 of Cerebral Cortex as a seminal reference to anyone, from advanced neuroscience students to expert researchers, with an interest in furthering knowledge in the visual neurosciences. Krystel R. Huxlin Dept of Ophthalmology and Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester Medical Center, Box 314, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
TINS Vol. 21, No. 11, 1998
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contains history and current research but, additionally, it suggests the direction of future research. It honors the late R. Bruce Masterton and is a fitting tribute to him and his research. It is appropriate that Masterton himself opens the book with a historical overview of the study of auditory cortex. This is probably the best summary of ablation behavior techniques in the last 20 years. Masterton’s contribu-
Cerebral Cortex: Extrastriate Cortex in Primates (Vol. 12) edited by Kathleen S. Rockland, Jon H. Kaas and Alan Peters, 1997. $159.50 (xxi + 844 pages) ISBN 0 306 45530 7 This book (Vol. 12 in the series Cerebral Cortex) is an impressive synopsis of past and present endeavors of researchers aiming to gain a better understanding of the structure and function of the higher levels of visual cortex in primates. This is the third volume dedicated to the visual system in this series and its existence is a tribute to the explosion in research in the field. In Vol. 3, Visual Cortex, published in 1985, evidence from the entire visual cortex of single species could be summarized in single chapters. A few years ago, Vol. 10 was wholly dedicated to the Primary Visual Cortex in Primates and now, Vol. 12 presents current knowledge and thought concerning the Extrastriate Cortex in Primates. If history repeats itself, we should soon see separate volumes of Cerebral Cortex dedicated to different extrastriate cortical areas. In their preface, the editors describe some of the major problems facing cortical vision research. These include conflicting terminologies for the different cortical areas, defining the precise extent of extrastriate visual cortex and the validity of the current hierarchical models. It seems that a single issue is at the root of these problems: different scientific groups use different methods and, especially, different criteria to define cortical areas. This is plainly stated by several contributors in this text but none of them would venture so far as to propose a solution to overcome this problem. Though at first it seemed esoteric to devote the first chapter to a short history of visual cortex, in reality it provided a cautionary reminder for the rest of the book, that is, a restraint on the temptation to take the interpretations presented by the various contributors at face value. Just as, at every step in history, our predecessors’ interpretation of the world extended only as far as the limitations of their investigative techniques, cultural biases and knowledge would allow them, so it is with us today.
The book is divided into 17 chapters, written by some of the most prominent scientists in the field today. It presents historical, philosophical and analytical perspectives on our understanding of extrastriate cortex in both human and nonhuman primates. After Gross’ historical introduction, chapters two to six address the question of how to define cortical areas in the visual system and canvas most of the known approaches to this question, including hodology (Rockland), comparisons between the anatomy and physiology of different primates (Kaas), visuotopic mapping (Rosa) and information transfer characteristics within the visual system (Nowak and Bullier). Functional imaging as a tool to investigate the human visual cortex is also reviewed by Gulyas towards the end of the book. Seven more chapters detail what is known about some well-studied extrastriate cortical areas – V2 (two chapters, one by Wang Roe and Ts’o and a second by Peterhans), MT/V5 (Orban), STP (Cusick), infero-temporal cortex (Tanaka), inferior parietal cortex (Siegel and Read) and the visuomotor areas of the frontal lobe (Schall). Unfortunately, no chapter is dedicated to area V4 about which so much is already known and which is still under active investigation. A summary of the latest findings in this area would have been welcome to many, especially in view of some recent disputes about the boundaries of V4 and its long-claimed contribution to color and form perception in human and non-human primates. Area V4 is not omitted completely, but readers are left to glean what they can from other chapters that mention it briefly. However, the information presented on the included topics is generally extensive and emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to the study of extrastriate cortex. Almost all authors have tried to integrate evidence from several different experimental paradigms into their synopses and hopefully this attitude may one day help to resolve some of the conflicts outlined above.
tions to the field of auditory neuroscience were the beginnings of the interdisciplinary approach apparent today. His ideas have spawned years of research, the details of which are well-covered in this book. Karen Glendenning Dept of Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1270, USA.
Neuronal functions at the subcellular and molecular levels are relatively unexplored in extrastriate cortex. It was, therefore, encouraging to find two chapters dedicated to these largely underinvestigated, yet important, issues. These were cellular mechanisms of plasticity, by Rodman and Moore, and basic neurochemical characteristics (cytochrome oxidase reactivity, myeloarchitecture, neurotransmitter receptor distribution) in different extrastriate areas, by Zilles and Clarke. Ultimately, however, the reader is left with a hunger for more. It would be particularly exciting to see the emergence of studies of subcellular function correlated with physiological and behavioral phenomena. The rapid advancement of knowledge and understanding of the cortical visual system in primates makes it especially suitable for a new phase of investigation, both at a deeper, cellular level, and at a higher, computational level. Zeki’s last chapter in the book directs the reader to such a ‘higher’ question – that of the physical basis (if there is one) of consciousness in the visual system, which demonstrates how great insights can be gained from the study of human beings with discrete extrastriate lesions. This book brings together detailed accounts of anatomical, physiological, psychophysical and functional imaging studies in extrastriate visual cortex, while providing a historical sense of the development of ideas and interpretations in this field. In addition, it makes a particularly significant contribution to visual research by enabling the reader to evaluate critically the evidence presented in the book and external sources of reference. Though some issues are emphasized to the detriment of others, and the logical flow of topics is not always intuitively obvious, I highly recommend Vol. 12 of Cerebral Cortex as a seminal reference to anyone, from advanced neuroscience students to expert researchers, with an interest in furthering knowledge in the visual neurosciences. Krystel R. Huxlin Dept of Ophthalmology and Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester Medical Center, Box 314, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
TINS Vol. 21, No. 11, 1998
499
R E V I E WS