In the Preface to Volume 1, we stated: This series recognizes that
investigators who have entered neurochemistry from the biochemical
tradition have a rather specialized view of the brain. Too often,
interdisci- plinary offerings are initially attractive but turn out to
recite basic biochemical considera- tions. We have come to believe that
there are now sufficiently large numbers of neurochemists to support a
specialized venture such as the present one. We have begun with
consideration of traditional areas of neurochemistry which show
considerable scientific activity. We hope they will serve the
neurochemist both for general reading and for specialized information.
The reader will also have the opportunity to reflect on the unbridled
speculation that results from the disinhibiting effects on the author
who has been invited to write a chapter. We plan occasionally also to
offer reviews of areas not completely in the domain of neurochemistry
which we nevertheless feel to be sufficiently timely to be called to the
attention of all who use chemical principles and tools in an effort to
better understand the brain. The contributions to the present volume
pursue these goals. We believe the series has set high standards and has
continued to uphold them. In accordance with the principle stated in the
last paragraph of the Preface Volume 1, we include in this volume
Koshland's "Sensory Response in Bacteria" (Chapter 5).