Did you ever tell someone that they think with their stomach? Then you're on the cutting edge of scientific thought, according to researcher Michael D. Gershon. The title of his book The Second Brain refers to the hundred million nerve cells in and around our guts that often act entirely independently of the dictator inside our heads. This isn't so bad--there are some meals we'd rather not have to think about eating, much less digesting. Gershon tells us the stories of his development into a scientist, his determination to promote neurogastroenterology as a legitimate field of research, and the nature of "the brain gone south," all with humor and aplomb.

Though not for the overly squeamish (after all, even if Gershon were to pull his punches, his subject still carries traces of old taboos), The Second Brain is a lively and invigorating read. The illustrations are superb and well labeled; this complements the text, which ranges from clinical to personal, as when the author details the events leading to his mother's tragic death following unnecessary surgery for an ulcer. The interactions between the enteric nervous system and digestion, emotion, and disease are not simple, but Gershon's patient prose explains everything in terms any interested layperson can understand.

As in the best scientific works, The Second Brain informs and inspires, surprising the reader with unexpected complexities and mysteries arising in such a seemingly primitive venue. It makes excellent after-dinner reading. --Rob Lightner

From Publishers Weekly
Gershon, who has been called the father of neurogastroenterology and is professor of anatomy and cell biology at New York's Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, has devoted his career to basic research on the nervous system of the gut. His fascination with this "second brain" is boundless, and he strives mightily to share his enthusiasm. With analogies and simple line drawings, good humor and a story-teller's love of character and plot, he describes how knowledge about the little-known enteric nervous system has been uncovered. To appreciate the wonder of this second brain, one must grasp the complexity of the system it runs, and Gershon tackles that subject in considerable detail?indeed, probably more detail than the general reader requires. While the particulars of research conducted in his and other neurobiologists' labs is also likely to overwhelm the nonbiologist, general readers will appreciate the implications of that research. As understanding emerges of how the second brain controls the behavior of the bowel, real progress is coming in the prevention, treatment and control of the belly's woes. To millions of sufferers of such diseases as heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome, this will be welcome information. Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Jacqueline Boone, The New York Times Book Review
In ,"The Second Brain, Gershon makes a persuasive, impassioned and, at times, downright lyrical case...the book succeeds in presenting an often grim and complex topic in a surprisingly witty and engaging manner"

From Kirkus Reviews
The nature of a so-called second brain in the gut is revealed in exquisite detail by a neurogastroenterologist who has spent some 30 years researching the subject. Gershon, professor of anatomy and cell biology at New York's Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, is enthralled by the sophistication of the enteric nervous system. He calls this system, which operates the bowel, a second brain, pointing out that it contains all the classes of neurotransmitters found in the brain. For nonbiologists entering his world, a whole new vocabulary with terms like neural crest, 5-HT1P receptor, and functional ligand must be acquired. While the terminology can be daunting and the exhaustive details sometimes overwhelming, Gershon has wisely included lots of clear line drawings to help the novice understand the nervous system and the complexities of the digestive system that it runs. Happily, he also tells his story in human terms, paying homage to those whose discoveries enabled his own, good-humoredly sharing the exhilaration of jousting with colleagues over his theories, and generously describing the skills and inventiveness of researchers in his own laboratory and those of other neurobiologists. As this research sheds light on how the ``brain in the belly'' controls the behavior of the bowel, progress can be expected in the prevention, treatment, and control of gastrointestinal disease. When patients present with gastrointestinal problems for which doctors can find no specific cause, too often they are dismissed as neurotic complainers. That answers may be found in the enteric nervous system offers new hope for the 20 percent of Americans diagnosed with functional bowel disorders. An authoritative work that makes abundantly clear the value of basic research; unfortunately, it's encumbered with an intimidating amount of technical detail that may discourage interested readers. -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Raj K. Goyal, M.D., Mallinckrodt Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and ACOS/Research & Development, West Roxbury VA Medical Center
"Michael Gershon has been a lifetime student of the enteric nervous system and the role of serotonin as one of its many neurotransmitters. This book, The Second Brain, displays his outstanding ability as a teacher and storyteller. It beautifully, simply and accurately summarizes many difficult scientific concepts about the enteric nervous system in a manner that is so lively and engaging that you won't want to put it down. This book can be enjoyed on many levelsit is a must read for anyone interested in the workings of the autonomic nervous system, and also a fascinating read for those interested in the gut or even general biology."

Helen J. Cooke, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Medical Center
"The Second Brain is a superb book that, not only explains in lay terms how the nervous system in the gut functions, but also provides a delightful, historical bent on the thoughts and personalities of leading scientists (including the author) working in the field. It humanizes the key players in the field with amusing anecdotes. I would never have guessed that the author, who is one of the most respected and innovative investigators in gut development and function, would ever suffer such "butterflies" before giving a talk! Even established investigators well versed in the science of gut function should find this book of interest for its simple explanations of basic principles. In short, there is something in it for everyone. A must read!"

Jackie D. Wood, Professor of Physiology and Internal Medicine, Chairman Emeritus, Department of Physiology
"Michael Gershon succeeds in capturing the essence of clinical and basic neurogastroenterology in ways that will inform and entertain physicians, basic scientists and interested segments of the general public (e.g., the millions with nagging awareness of their gastrointestinal tract). Most significantly, the book will help float the concepts of the brain-in-the-gut from the depths of obscurity to justified prominence in the domains of biomedical science and clinical medicine.The writing is clear and entertaining with masterful insertions of historic, fine-arts and cultural anecdotes. Mike's autobiographic sequences and caricatures of pivotal personalities will delight those familiar with this unique scientific cadre; and for the non-scientist, provide rare insight into the workings of modern-day biomedical research. The scientific content is a clearly focused primer easily understandable by the casual reader and sufficiently accurate to be beyond reproach by the specialist."

Robert D. Goldman, Ph.D., Stephen Walter Ranson Professor and Chairman, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University Medical School
"Michael Gershon's book, The Second Brain tells us the remarkable story of the ups and downs of our second nervous system, also known as the "brain" in our gut. Dr. Gershon, a pioneer and the world's leading authority on this subject has produced a very well written, exceedingly humorous and historically accurate account of the present state of knowledge about the nerve cells that control our bowels. The author's keen sense of humor is generously distributed throughout the book. An example is seen in the Preface when Gershon states "Consider the lowly gut and its nervous system. The bowel just is not the kind of organ that makes the pulse race. No poet would ever write an ode to the intestine. To be frank, the popular consensus is that the colon is a repulsive piece of anatomy. Clearly, the gut is an organ only a scientists would love. I am such a scientist." These humorous notes are enmeshed in the intriguing story of the major discoveries that have led to an understanding of the complex operations underlying the normal functioning of the intestinal tract. The book also tells us why the bowel misbehaves in a variety of ways ranging from discomforts such as heartburn, diarrhea, and constipation to much more serious disorders. As the story of the gut unfolds, Gershon teaches the reader a lot about the basic biomedical sciences ranging from anatomy and neurobiology to molecular and cell biology. This is a must for all of us who want to know why we periodically feel our gut rising "to the level of conscious perception," a phenomenon that is responsible for almost half of our visits to physicians each year.In a more general sense, Mike has managed to take an obscure health related subject and make its scientific base palatable and interesting for the educated lay person. I am convinced that The Second Brain will be a winner in this new era of books about our bodies."

Pasko Rakic, M.D., Sc.D., Yale University School of Medicine, Chairman, Section of Neurobiology
"An original and excellently written book. Dr. Gershon has succeeded in making a scientific subject easy and pleasant reading. The basic science and potential clinical applications are up to date. Though the subject is serious, the witty remarks, clever analogies, and just the right amount of irony make it extremely entertaining."

David L. Wingate, DM FRCP, Prof. of Gastrointestinal Science, The Royal London Hospital
"The existence of a separate nervous system or "brain" in the gut is an idea readily accepted by the public, aware that it often seems as though the digestive system is out of control. There has been no book by a scientist to explain "the little brain in the gut" to the public at largenone, that is, until now. Dr. Michael Gershon is a key player in this field of research. He writes with authority and clarity laced with shafts of irony and witthis account of the unfolding scientific panorama of the enteric nervous system might, at points, have been written by Woody Allen, but it is none the worse for that. Dr. Gershon has the gift of explaining complex concepts in simple terms without sacrificing scientific precision, and he conveys the suspense and creative rivalry that characterizes contemporary neuroscience. Gershon's peers can have no quarrel with him over the importance of this research fieldand for the general public, this book will not be the last word on the subjectbut it has the distinction of being first."

Michael Camilleri, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Physiology, Mayo Foundation, Gastroenterology Research Unit
"An interesting treatise that records the rediscovery of the importance of the nervous system in the abdominal organs, this book provides an opportunity for lay readers to explore the fascination of the Second Brain and the scientists who discover its marvels...Dr. Gershon documents this new renaissance in enteric neuroscience."

Ronald A. Ruden, M.D. author of The Craving Brain
"Dr. Gershon spills his guts in an entertaining and highly informative book about how smart our gastrointestinal tract is. He writes with a fatherly love about his research and that of his colleagues, and engages our sense of wonder about something we almost never think about. Great any room reading!"

Book Description
Dr. Michael D. Gershon's groundbreaking work clearly demonstrates that the human gut actually has a brain of its own. This remarkable scientific breakthrough offers fascinating proof that "gut instinct" is biological, a function of the second brain. An alarming number of people suffer from heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, or related problems. Often thought to be caused by a "weakness" of the mind, these conditions may actually be a reflection of a disorder in the second brain. The second brain, located in the bowel, normally works smoothly with the brain in the head, enabling the head-brain to concentrate on the finer pursuits of life while the gut-brain attends to the messy business of digestion. A breakdown in communication between the two brains can lead to stomach and intestinal trouble, causing sufferers great abdominal grief andtoo oftenlabeling them as neurotic complainers. Dr. Gershon's research into the second brain provides understanding for those who suffer from gut-related ailments and offers new insight into the origin, extent, and management. The Second Brain is the culmination of thirty years of research. It is an extraordinary contribution to the understanding of gastrointestinal illnesses, as well as a fascinating glimpse into hoe our gut really works.

About the Author
Michael D. Gershon M.D., is chairman of the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons at the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City.

ANNOTATION

"...examines how the connection between the mind and the gut the 'second brain,' works and what can occur when when communication between the two is disrupted...based on thirty years of research."

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Dr. Michael D. Gershon's ground-breaking work clearly demonstrates that the human gut actually has a brain of its own. This remarkable scientific breakthrough offers fascinating proof that "gut instinct" is biological, a function of the second brain. An alarming number of people suffer from heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, or related problems. Often thought to be caused by a "weakness" of the mind, these conditions may actually be a reflection of a disorder in the second brain. The second brain, located in the bowel, normally works smoothly with the brain in the head, enabling the head-brain to concentrate on the finer pursuits of life while the gut-brain attends to the messy business of digestion. A breakdown in communication between the two brains can lead to stomach and intestinal trouble, causing sufferers great abdominal grief and - too often - labeling them as neurotic complainers. Dr. Gershon's research into the second brain provides understanding for those who suffer from gut-related ailments and offers new insight into their origin, extent, and management.

FROM THE CRITICS

Jacqueline Boone

...[A] persuasiveimpassioned andat timesdownright lyrical case for the counterintuitive notion that 'there is a brain in the bowel'....[presents] an often grim and complex topic in a surprisingly witty and engaging manner... —The New York Times Book Review

Publishers Weekly

Gershon, who has been called the father of neurogastroenterology and is professor of anatomy and cell biology at New York's Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, has devoted his career to basic research on the nervous system of the gut. His fascination with this "second brain" is boundless, and he strives mightily to share his enthusiasm. With analogies and simple line drawings, good humor and a story-teller's love of character and plot, he describes how knowledge about the little-known enteric nervous system has been uncovered. To appreciate the wonder of this second brain, one must grasp the complexity of the system it runs, and Gershon tackles that subject in considerable detail--indeed, probably more detail than the general reader requires. While the particulars of research conducted in his and other neurobiologists' labs is also likely to overwhelm the nonbiologist, general readers will appreciate the implications of that research. As understanding emerges of how the second brain controls the behavior of the bowel, real progress is coming in the prevention, treatment and control of the belly's woes. To millions of sufferers of such diseases as heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome, this will be welcome information. (Oct.)

Jacqueline Boone

...[A] persuasive, impassioned and, at times, downright lyrical case for the counterintuitive notion that 'there is a brain in the bowel'....[presents] an often grim and complex topic in a surprisingly witty and engaging manner... -- The New York Times Book Review

Kirkus Reviews

The nature of a so-called second brain in the gut is revealed in exquisite detail by a neurogastroenterologist who has spent some 30 years researching the subject. Gershon, professor of anatomy and cell biology at New York's Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, is enthralled by the sophistication of the enteric nervous system. He calls this system, which operates the bowel, a second brain, pointing out that it contains all the classes of neurotransmitters found in the brain. For nonbiologists entering his world, a whole new vocabulary with terms like neural crest, 5-HT1P receptor, and functional ligand must be acquired. While the terminology can be daunting and the exhaustive details sometimes overwhelming, Gershon has wisely included lots of clear line drawings to help the novice understand the nervous system and the complexities of the digestive system that it runs. Happily, he also tells his story in human terms, paying homage to those whose discoveries enabled his own, good-humoredly sharing the exhilaration of jousting with colleagues over his theories, and generously describing the skills and inventiveness of researchers in his own laboratory and those of other neurobiologists. As this research sheds light on how the "brain in the belly" controls the behavior of the bowel, progress can be expected in the prevention, treatment, and control of gastrointestinal disease. When patients present with gastrointestinal problems for which doctors can find no specific cause, too often they are dismissed as neurotic complainers. That answers may be found in the enteric nervous system offers new hope for the 20 percent of Americans diagnosed with functional bowel disorders. An authoritativework that makes abundantly clear the value of basic research; unfortunately, it's encumbered with an intimidating amount of technical detail that may discourage interested readers.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Michael Gershon succeeds in capturing the essence of clinical and basic neurogastroenterology in ways that will inform and entertain physicians, basic scientists and interested segments of the general public (e.g., the millions with nagging awareness of their gastrointestinal tract). Most significantly, the book will help float the concepts of the brain-in-the-gut from the depths of obscurity to justified prominence in the domains of biomedical science and clinical medicine.The writing is clear and entertaining with masterful insertions of historic, fine-arts and cultural anecdotes. Mike's autobiographic sequences and caricatures of pivotal personalities will delight those familiar with this unique scientific cadre; and for the non-scientist, provide rare insight into the workings of modern-day biomedical research. The scientific content is a clearly focused primer easily understandable by the casual reader and sufficiently accurate to be beyond reproach. — Will Self