Chemical Transmission of Nerve Impulses

Preface to the English Edition

Preface to the French Edition


1. Definition and Importance of the Phenomenon of Chemical Transmission


2. General Organization of the Nervous System in Vertebrates


3. The Forerunners


4. Cholinergic Transmission

4.1. First Phase. The Parasympathetic Division of the Autonomic Nervous System

4.1.1. The Fundamental Experiments of Loewi on the Amphibian Heart

4.1.2. Extension of Loewi's Concept to the Whole Parasympathetic Innervation in Mammals

4.1.3. Problems of Nomenclature

4.2. Second Phase. The Cholinergic Nature of the Motor Nerves to Striated Muscles and the Preganglionic Fibers of the Autonomic Nervous System

4.2.1. Striated Muscle

4.2.2 Preganglionic Fibers


5. Adrenergic Transmission


6. The Progress of Biochemical Research

6.1. Acetylcholine Synthesis and Studies of Cholinesterases

6.2. Catecholamine Synthesis


7. The Opposition to the Theory of Chemical Transmission


8. Some Blind Alleys


9. Comparative Physiology


10. The Triumph: The Central Nervous System


11. Working in Sir Henry Dale's Department


12. Scientists and Science

12.1. Europe versus the U.S.A.

12.2. The Adventurous Spirit; The Flair

12.3. The Power and Simplicity of Facts and Their Utilization

12.4. The Diversity of Temperaments

A Few Complementary References