FOREWORD 



It is often said that international conferences should ideally be composed 

 of a small group of specialists in a field that has been selected because of the 

 rapidity of its development. A further ideal requirement would be that the 

 venue should provide an atmosphere of informality and ease. 



The Symposium on Nervous Inhibition at Friday Harbor on 31 May to 

 4 June 1960 fulfilled all these requirements in ample measure, and it was 

 agreed by all to have been a most stimulating and enjoyable occasion. The 

 formal sessions gave adequate time for good discussion, which perhaps was 

 further encouraged by the absence of any recording devices. The discussions 

 were remarkable for their forthrightness and for the degree to which severe 

 criticisms could be made and accepted without the embarrassment of emo- 

 tional reactions. The present volume gives the papers that were presented at 

 the Conference, with no doubt many modifications that resulted from the 

 discussions. They will bring back many pleasant and profitable memories 

 to those who were fortunate enough to be participants or observers. For 

 others these papers will illustrate the many types of investigation that are 

 leading to new concepts in regard to the working of the nervous system. 



I cannot resist the attempt to give some suggestion of the atmosphere 

 of the Conference, which was partly derived from the peace and beauty of 

 the surroundings and the excellent weather, but which in large measure was 

 due to the planning and superb organization. The two and a half hour journey 

 on the ferry from Anacortes out to Friday Harbor already enabled the 

 participants to renew old friendships or make new ones. The location of the 

 Faculty Club and Cottages in the woods fronting the water with the Olympic 

 Mountains beyond provided the most attractive background for a conference 

 that it would be possible to imagine. The Faculty Club gave us ease, infor- 

 mality and comfort as well as excellent meals. A special feature was the 

 whistle that woke us up, called us to the conferences, and to the meals; so 

 much so that we found ourselves salivating at the sound of the whistle! 

 There were many occasions of hospitality: a lovely evening with a salmon- 

 barbecue party at a beach on the other side of the island; an evening display 

 of the Marine Laboratories ; a gay final dinner at the Roche Harbor Restaur- 

 ant; a saki party at Dr. Hayashi's cottage; and several parties at the Director's 

 house. Walking in the woods and boating gave occasions for informal dis- 

 cussion and a renewal of vitality for the more formal conference occasions, 

 and between conferences there was always the sun-bathed terrace where 

 we had lunch and morning and afternoon coffee. 



