Gene Structure and Expression

understanding still is. Indeed, there is an implicit comparison of the art of perfumery to the esthetic achievements which delight the other senses. The author proceeds to address a number of other topics, which include smiling, laughing, singing, pain, haptics (the sense of touch), pictorial interpretation, and speech disorders. For each, he draws on a wealth of historical examples to illustrate how our understanding of neurology has evolved and in some cases deviated from what is now considered correct. Critchley also raises a number of philosophical and perhaps unanswerable neurological questions, although he is cautious about pressing his own opinions on them. Even in the middle of the most complex arguments in the book, the reader can sense the twinkle of curiosity and wonder in the author's eye: neurology remains compelling and fascinating. The Citadel of the Senses also presents brief biographical essays on several prominent figures in Critchley's Pantheon of Neurology. Critchley seems interested in these neurologists as much for their personal qualities as for their contributions to science. Although his tone is generally appreciative, at times he is less than charitable. Josef Babinski is rightfully praised for his work, but Critchley adds, "I cannot escape the strong suspicion that Babinski was a cold fish," referring to Babinski's laconic and aloof demeanor. Hughlings Jackson was highly regarded by his peers in neurology, but "He was no teacher and an indifferent lecturer." Of questionable relevance to the theme of the book is the chapter on Oscar Wilde, but it is interesting reading anyhow. More than a touch of nostalgia permeates The Citadel of the Senses; the author reminisces fondly about his earlier days in medicine, especially times spent with the Hexagon Club. This was a group of six academic cronies who met regularly in some of the better London restaurants during the 1930s, for the purpose of debating topics in neurology. The Citadel of the Senses is no textbook for the medical student, but rather a book for the medically informed general reader with an interest in the history of medicine (and perhaps the wit of Oscar Wilde). The book imparts some of the flavor of old-style British academic medicine, but it also preserves the sense of freshness and excitement which motivates thinkers like Macdonald Critchley even today.