Antipsychotic drugs were first discovered in 1953, and not since the late 1970s has the Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology taken up this topic. A new treatment of this topic would be due under any circumstances; however, this is now particularly true, since remarkable progress has been made on several fronts in furthering our understanding of the mechanisms of antipsychotic drug action. First, we have learned that schizophrenia is an illness with particu lar neuroanatomical abnormalities, many of which suggest that the illness is caused by errors in neurodevelopment. These findings have helped to form a context for understanding neurochemical aberrations in the illness and suggest new approaches for pharmacological treatment. Propelled forward by rapid advances in neurochemical anatomy, current pathophysiological hypotheses of schizophrenia and antipsychotic drug action have taken on the appearance of complex electrical circuit diagrams. Second, molecular biology studies have now revealed that there is a multiplicity of dopamine receptors (i. e. , D , DZshort' j DZlong, D , D , and D ), some of which may become entirely new targets for 3 4 s antipsychotic drug action. Ironically, the development of drugs that are selec tive for these receptors and that can be used to investigate their function lags behind; yet the discovery of these new receptors offers unparalleled opportu nities for developing drugs with improved efficacy and fewer side effects.

Advances in the practice of psychiatry have occurred in "fits and starts" over the last several decades. These advances are evident to anyone long affiliated with the field and are best appreciated through direct experience of living through the times. These advances can also be gleaned from historical overviews in textbooks or the recollections of one's teachers and mentors. Returning to the original papers that have ushered in these changes is rarely done for various, mostly practical, reasons. Filtering through thousands of articles in psychiatry may prove daunting, access to the manuscripts may be limited (especially for papers not available electronically), and understanding their impact requires a broader context. Moreover, with so much active research currently occurring in various branches of psychiatry, current practitioners or trainees may find their attention focused on the present, and this is reinforced by electronic search algorithms, which return articles in reverse chronological order. Not surprisingly, citations for articles in virtually all fields decline precipitously for articles over five years old. As scholars and professionals, we are losing touch with our academic heritage. Yet navigating the future of psychiatry requires a firm understanding of its past. This resource serves as a guide for anyone seeking to understand the evolution of psychiatry as a scientific discipline. It does so by summarizing over 100 landmark papers in psychiatry and placing their scientific contributions within a historical context. An introductory section sets the stage for the major theoretical constructs within the field, with chapters devoted to ontology and nosology. Subsequent sections examine major facets of the theory and practice of psychiatry, such as pathogenesis of psychiatric illness, pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and somatic treatments. These sections are divided logically into chapters addressing important contributions to the understanding and treatment of specific disorders. A final section explores ethical considerations within each field. This framework echoes the complexity of psychiatry, which cannot be reduced to a single set of diagnoses or subspecialty categories. Highlighting the research trajectory of psychiatry, this resource will appeal to academics, trainees, and practitioners who desire a comprehensive, easy-to-read, up-to-date collection of psychiatry's pivotal moments. By understanding the challenges, inspirations, and insights from the past, readers will be better poised to address new and ongoing challenges within the field.