Nerve and Muscle, 3rd ed. (Reviews of books, computer software, and videotapes are written by invitation).

Nerve and Muscle, ed 3 Keynes RD, Aidley DJ. New York, NY 10011, Cambridge University Press, 2001, paperback, 191 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-521-80584-8, $19.95.

This is the third edition of a highly popular monograph that continues the tradition of the Studies in Biology series. The 2 authors, David Aidley and Richard Keynes, are renowned scientists and educators who contributed to the neuromuscular research efforts of the twentieth century. With Dr Aidley's death in August 2000, the monograph serves as a fitting memorial to his dedication as a teacher and researcher. Aidley and Keynes both participated in research that led to our current understanding of the basic mechanisms of nerve and muscle and, therefore, are able to provide the reader with a unique historical perspective. It is this perspective that is also the most enjoyable aspect of this monograph. Throughout the text, the reader not only gains an appreciation for the basic principles underlying nerve and muscle physiology, but also an appreciation of how this knowledge was obtained through experimentation.

The monograph is divided into 11 chapters. An introductory chapter on the structural organization of the nervous system is followed by 5 chapters that provide a systematic description of resting and action potentials, the underlying mechanisms of their ionic permeability, voltage-gated ion channels, cable theory, and saltatory conduction. The examples provided to highlight the basic principles are chosen from classic studies of the mid-twentieth century.

Physical therapist students who are beginning their course of study may find the chapters on voltage-clamp experiments and voltage-gated channels tough reading. The advanced student will find these chapters essential for a solid understanding of neural excitability.

Chapters 7 and 8 deal with neuromuscular and synoptic transmission and provide a bridge to a description of muscle physiology. The 3 remaining chapters provide an excellent phenomenological description of the mechanical properties of muscle, the energetics of contraction, and the cellular mechanisms of skeletal muscle contraction. A final chapter gives a brief overview of electrical and mechanical events in cardiac and smooth muscle.

This monograph serves as an excellent overview of the basic principles of nerve and muscle physiology. It would be most appropriate for the advanced degree student seeking a quick summary of these basic principles. The beginning student would require guidance through some of the more difficult sections. It should be of particular interest to all readers seeking the historical perspective on our current understanding of nerve and muscle.

Carl G Kukulka, PT, PhD University of Florida Gainesville, Fla Dr Kukulka is Professor in the Physical Therapy Department.