The EEG of drowsiness

362 In their compilation of research on neuropeptides and brain function, the editors ha~, ~a~aaged t~, give a broad overview of the several research fields dealing with the action of neuropeptides o1~ the central nervous system. This has been done in such a way that with this volume one has a valuable book that give:. a comprehensive in-depth picture of the fragmented field of neuropeptide research. The editors have divided the book into three sections: I. Neuropeptides and adaptation, 11. Neuropeptides: basic concepts, and the obligatory, II1. Neuropeptides: therapeutic implications and future developments. Of course, among the large number of papers (29!) several can easily be found in one of the many other books that appear on the action of neuropeptides nowadays. However, this volume comprises many chapters that are not spotted so easily in other books on neuropeptides. Chapters on evolutionary aspects of neuropeptides, the brain and the immune system, many thoroughly written chapters on fundamental aspects of neuropeptide research and those that describe the role of peptides in ageing and regeneration of nerve tissue make this volume a worthwhile addition to our libraries. R~,M B~n:ts

The EEG of Drowsiness, b y

Joan Santamaria and Keith H. Chiappa, Demos

Publi-

c a t i o n s , N e w Y o r k , 1987, 2 0 2 p a g e s . This book gives a thorough description of the events that take place in the EEG of adults during periods of drowsiness. These periods are recognized by simultaneous registration of eye movements. The characteristics of the eye movements as recorded with three channels; horizontal and vertical electric channels and a mechanical, piEzo-electrieally converted signal, give evidence of the drowsiness and are well described. With these landmarks the authors investigated many periods of drowsiness in 55 healthy subjects and were able to make a classification system of the different transitional changes that were seen during such periods. These periods are often 10 to 20 seconds longer than the changes in the commonly derived EEG signal would indicate. The book itself is divided into two separate parts, The first part contains information in textbook form with many examples. The second part gives more detailed information in journal form. After an extensive survey of the limited literature on the subject, the eye movement changes and a classification system for the EEG changes are described which are divided into different transitional, and posttransitional patterns before signs of sleep stage II appear. In addition, the arousal patterns from drowsiness are described. Recognizing these periods and the phenomenon that may occur is particularly helpful in preventing an erroneous diagnosis in normal individuals. Recognition of the pathological changes in the transition patterns might be of importance. The book is recommended to those interested in the field. J.P. KROOMAN

Neuroanatomie, b y

W . F i r b a s , H . G r u b e r a n d R. M a y e r , V e r l a g W i l h e l m M a u d r i c h ,

V i e n n a , 1988, x + 246 p a g e s , D M 70/OS 4 9 0 This well-illustrated book serves as a reliable introduction for the beginning student of neuroanatomy. The text is clear and remains restricted to the main avenues of neuroanatomy, both macroscopic and microscopic. The illustrations are schematic, leaving out unnecessary detail. Chapter 16 (skin and mamma) seems a rather odd co-traveller to the other chapters in this book. (}. W. BRUYN