Noseworthy, John H. (Ed.). Fifty Neurologic Cases from Mayo Clinic. (2004). New York: Oxford University Press. 218 pp., $39.95 (PB); $75.00 (HB).

Want to challenge yourself on a series of brief but precisely detailed neurological cases, each first presented with central features but without the diagnosis? This volume contains fifty succinct Neurology cases that test your ability to localize and reach a differential diagnosis. The format is case description, illustrations, revelation of diagnosis, a pertinent reference or two, and a summary salient commentary by a Mayo Clinic consultant. The format provides a template for concisely describing complex cases. While intended for physicians in training and practice, neuropsychologists will also enjoy the opportunity to analyze a number of these child and adult patient cases, including rarely seen “zebras”.

Cajal, Santiago Ramón y. Advice for a Young Investigator. Translated by Neely Swanson and Larry W. Swanson. (2004). Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press. 150 pp., $18.95/£12.95 (PB).

This paperback reissue of a now out-of-print hardback publication contains advice from the distinguished late 19th century Spanish neuroanatomist. The book is an engrossing perspective on the personality traits and social factors that the author believed best characterize and define the successful scientific investigator. This brief but compelling volume is still a useful read for those currently engaged in, or contemplating, research. Reviewed are common traps the beginner may encounter, desirable and undesirable traits, suggestions for improvement, some incisive discussion of personalities encountered when engaged in investigation, and advice on publication and teaching. One must retain a sense of humor and consider the publication date for some portions. For example, the assumption is that the investigator is a male who requires counsel on choosing a wife who will benefit his aspirations.

Urbina, Susana. Essentials of Psychological Testing. (2004). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. 326 pp., $34.95 (PB).

The content of this useful and informative paperback book surveys basic psychometric principles, and succinctly presents practical information and guidelines enabling responsible and knowledgeable use and interpretation of psychological tests. It is one of the primer books from the Essentials of Behavioral Science series. This volume enables the reader to become familiar with, or review, basic statistical principles and procedures, providing examples along with a liberal use of tables and figures to clarify key points about test administration and score interpretation, reliability, validity, and test item considerations. There are user-friendly information summaries and self-test questions in each chapter along with direction to supportive references.