Ammar al-Chalabi – författare

It has been remarked that if the brain were so simple we could understand it, we would be so simple we couldn’t. However, as the authors of this accessible guide demonstrate, there are at least some things we do understand about the brain, and this knowedge can shed new light on our conception of ourselves and the workings of our minds. Covering crude ancient neuroscience, sleep, language and even philosophical questions about the nature of consciousness, this lively and entertaining introduction assumes no previous scientific knowledge and will fascinate readers of all backgrounds.

It has been remarked that if the brain were so simple we could understand it, we would be so simple we couldn’t. Commencing with a brief history of neuroscience, from the ancient practice of drilling holes in the head to relieve headaches to the latest results from MRI and CT scans, this accessible guide sets out to explore exactly what we do know about the brain. Including the most up-to-date research on the cerebral processes behind a wide array of human activity – from our capacity for language to how we remember – this lively and entertaining introduction assumes no previous scientific knowledge and offers a tantalizing glimpse into man’s most complex organ.