David Robertson, Editor-in-chief, Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2004, $79.95, 459 pages, ISBN 0-12-589762-6

Primer on the Autonomic Nervous System, Second Edition is a valuable resource for individuals working in the neuroscience arena. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the autonomic system, and the style of writing and graphics promotes a clear understanding of the areas reviewed. The book provides a synopsis of the normal physiology of general function, while reviewing multiple areas influenced by the autonomic system from exercising, altitude, hypothermia, psychological stress, aging, and mind-body interactions. Also included are chapters on the evaluation of autonomic failure, catecholamine disorders, central and peripheral disorders (catecholamine disorders and cardiovascular disorders were my favorite chapters). This text addresses topics ranging from hypoglycemic and nutritional influences on the autonomic system and cocaine overdose to sympathetic nervous system and pain.

Critical care and general neuroscience nurses may be interested in the wide range of topics involved in this book. The extensive variety of subjects makes this book an excellent resource for anyone working within the neuroscience arena as it provides key information that promotes understanding of the autonomic nervous system.

neurocritical care nurse practitioner, Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, WI.