The Physiology and Pathology of the Cerebellum

Abstract

In 1673 DuVerny reported that he had been able to maintain pigeons in which both cerebellum and cerebrum had been extirpated. From such almost parenthetical beginnings this volume by Drs. Dow and Moruzzi traces, with scholarly thoroughness and clarity, the evolution of our present knowledge of the cerebellum. Because of the complexity of cerebellar function, a wide variety of investigative methods have been applied through the years to the study of this structure. The authors have utilized this fact to present an orderly summary of information which is copious and often controversial. The volume consists of two major sections: the first, comprising twothirds of the book, covers the physiology, the second, the pathology and clinical aspects of the cerebellum. The physiological portion of this work is presented in terms of the various experimental eras through which cerebellar investigations have passed. It begins, after a brief historical introduction, with the ablation experiments, then proceeds through the stimulation and electrophysiological experimental stages to the present. In three final chapters in the first portion of the book the relations between the cerebellum and other central structures, developmental physiology, and general functional considerations are discussed. The mass of research data presented is voluminous, and the difficulty of the task compounded by the many contradictory results, by the lack of comparative physiological study in this field, and, finally, by the still nondefinitive status of much of our current knowledge. Despite these obstacles, the authors have presented a finely formulated and coherent picture of their topic. Particularly valuable are the discussions of Luciani's atonia, fastigial function, and the influence of the cerebellum on gamma discharges. The second section of the book is also comprehensive and notable for the correlation of clinical with pathophysiological data. It is probable, however, that the greatest value of this volume will prove to be its exhaustive summary of physiological research. The entire volume is richly supplied with references. In keeping with the highly academic tenor of this study, the authors have included numerous quotes from a variety of investigators-and in a variety of languages. In some instances these occur at vital points of the text. A glossary of translations of these quotes might prove a worthwhile adjunct to future editions. This work presumes a thorough knowledge of cerebellar anatomy and is, in fact, a companion piece to Professor Olof Larsell's as yet unpublished text on this subject. This excellent volume by Drs. Dow and Moruzzi, representing the most inclusive work on cerebellar function to date, will be invaluable to both researchers and clinicians in the neurological field. One may well look forward to its forthcoming anatomical counterpart.