Books

Books : reviews

Rodney M. J. Cotterill.
Computer Simulation in Brain Science.
CUP. 1988

There has recently been an enormous increase in research activity aimed at elucidating the basis for cortical activity in the brain. Among modern techniques used in this area of scientific endeavour, few have proved as popular as computer simulation. Model neural networks are now the subject of intense study, and some remarkable properties have already come to light: these networks are able to discriminate, remember and associate.

Professor Cotterill has assembled many of the leading experts in this burgeoning field to produce an exciting review of advances to date. The volume covers the creation of computer models of neural networks, and their use in the study of neural function, of cognition, memory and vision. The results and future directions explored here will have an important bearing on research into brain function, physiology, psychology, biophysics and artificial intelligence.

Rodney M. J. Cotterill.
Models of Brain Function.
CUP. 1989

This is an exciting time for brain science. Recent progress has been such that it now seems realistic to look towards an explanation of mind in terms of the brain’s anatomy and physiology. This advance has been made possible by gains on several research fronts, but it had been due even more to the way in which different neural disciplines have interacted with one another. Models based on artificially symmetrical arrays of idealized neurons are now being superseded by ones which properly take into account the brain’s actual circuitry. This book presents a comprehensive overview of the current state of brain modelling, containing contributions from many leading researchers in this field. It will be of interest not only to researchers in the fields of brain science and neurobiology, but also to psychologists and those involved in the study of artificial intelligence.