When the President of Humana Press first suggested that a series
on methods m the neurosciences might be useful, one of us (AAB)
was quite skeptical, only after discussions wrth GBB and some
searchmg both of memory and library shelves did It seem that
perhaps the pubhsher was right. Although some excellent
methods books have recently appeared, notably m neuroanatomy,
it IS a fact that there IS a dearth in this particular field, a fact attested
to by the alacrity and enthusiasm with whrch most of the contributors
to this series accepted our invitations and suggested
additional topics and areas After a somewhat hesitant start, essentlally
m the neurochemistry section, the series has grown and
will encompass neurochemistry, neuropsychlatry, neurology,
neuropathology, neurogenetics, neuroethology, molecular
neurobiology, animal models of nervous disease, and no doubt
many more “neuros. ” Although we have tried to include adequate
methodological detail and in many cases detailed protocols, we
have also tried to include wherever possible a short introductory
review of the methods and/or related substances, comparisons
with other methods, and the relationship of the substances being
analyzed to neurological and psychlatrlc disorders. Recognizing
our own limltatlons, we have invited a guest editor to jom wrth us
on most volumes m order to ensure complete coverage of the field
and to add their specralrzed knowledge and competencies. We
anticipate that this series will fill a gap, we can only hope that it will
be filled appropriately and with the right amount of expertise with
respect to each method, substance or group of substances, and area
treated.