The Brain and Mind discussion

My focus and research in neuroscience is neuropharmacology. That is, as you have probably gathered, the study of how chemical compounds effect the brain. The more neuroscience related works I read, the more I realize the relational aspects associated with many fields. With this comes the emphasis on a strong foundation of knowledge that can be not only called upon to understand a wide variety of new material, but to also be easily expanded upon.

So far, one of my favorite neuroscience foundational texts is: Neuroscience With CDROM (Although I don't have the CD rom) It begins rather basically with brain & neuron-anatomy and works its way through the mechanisms of the brain, nerves, and a compilation of other noteworthy topics. I don't have a proper review yet, but to put it simply, the best way to praise this book it to discuss how easy it makes comprehension. It's an actual textbook and unlike most textbooks, this one is compelling, well written, and most importantly understandable. In addition the 4th edition is only ~$20 on Amazon.

A more advanced reading of my favorite; Principles Of Neuropsychopharmacology is what I'm currently reading. This textbook is also quite accessible to those whom have basic knowledge of neuron structure and function. The first half talks about structure, research, and mechanisms for action of many pharmacological substances. Later chapters talk about how well known categories for drugs effect the brain. Quite intriguing. ($4.67 on Amazon when I bought it, now it's ~$10)

I've heard great promise in Cognitive Neuroscience. I have not gotten around to reading it but I plan to update when I do.

As a sequel to the previous, The Cognitive Neuroscience of Mind: A Tribute to Michael S. Gazzaniga, is a follow up book written in tribute to the author of Cognitive Neuroscience. I have the ebook although I have not finished it. While it provides an interesting platform to discuss the works of neuroscience, the book is not as accessible as the previous books in the least. It's chapters are written from different authors so the difficulty ranges from casual to mildly daunting.

I would be quite interested to know of what everyone considers their foundational reading, lectures, or what have you. In addition I would be happy to expand on any facet of the books or answer questions.