The Dying of Enoch Wallace

Book excerpt: "In The Dying of Enoch Wallace, neuroscientist Ira Black tells the story of modern neuroscience, drawing us into the world of discovery and scientists, with all their color, idiosyncrasies, and genius. A tale spanning a century and multiple continents, it moves from fascist Italy, with the discovery of neuronal growth factor (NGF) by a young scientist working in a secret, makeshift laboratory in her bedroom, and progresses to current experiments in which transplanted, laboratory-grown cells lead to recovery of function in damaged brain regions. To bridge the gap between abstract concepts and real-world experience, Dr. Black draws upon his work as a clinical neurologist to provide a second dramatic account - the fictionalized story of a successful investment banker's battle with Alzheimer's disease - that vividly complements the main narrative. From his first fleeting memory lapses to his final descent into dementia, each fateful step in Enoch's tragic decline becomes a window onto another aspect of brain function and the latest groundbreaking neuroscientific research."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved