This is a new edition in the Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology series. The majority of cells in the nervous system are glial cells. During development, these cells provide growth factors that stimulate the proliferation, migration and survival of neurones and their precursors, and promote and guide axonal growth. In the mature nervous system, glial cells provide insulating myelin sheath around axons and provide metabolic and structural support for neurones. Glial cells also have a major influence on the local response to injury of central nerve tracts and the peripheral nervous system, either promoting, or inhibiting, axonal regrowth and recovery of lost function. This book provides a comprehensive, state-of-the-art overview of research into the development, function and malfunction of glial cells. It offers a compelling insight into how basic research throws light onto diseases and disorders and points the way towards treatments. Teams of internationally renowned experts, all active in research, have contributed chapters.

This illustrated collection of essays examines the controversy surrounding the use and display of Confederate symbols in the modern South. Prominent scholars from many disciplines explore the battle between pro-Confederate-symbol forces (traditionalists) and anti-Confederate-symbol forces (reconstructionists) as they struggle to reconcile the values and customs of a racially conservative Old South and a racially liberal New South. Should the Confederate battle flag continue to fly atop a state capitol dome, or does this ""official"" display violate the constitutional rights of some citizens? Should Confederate flags and monuments be removed completely from the landscape? Should public funds be used to maintain Confederate monuments on courthouse lawns, traffic islands, and public facilities? These are a few of the questions addressed in this collection.

Most American citizens are quick to criticize federal bureaucracy for its size and inefficiency. They assume it has exceeded the intent of our nation's founders; yet men like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton knew that good public administrators were essential to good government.

William Richardson here examines the origins, legitimacy, and limitations of public administration from the perspective of the Founders' thought. He shows that these men -- especially the authors of The Federalist -- advocated an energetic public administration as an essential component of government and even considered the emergence of a "natural aristocracy" of virtuous civil servants. The Founders would see the fault of today's federal bureaucracy, argues Richardson, not as much in its size as in the character of its members.

Richardson relates the Founders' belief that the nation should strive to produce public servants committed to developing character traits, such as wisdom and moderation, that would exemplify the highest ideals of the republic and thus ensure its survival. They anticipated some self-interest on the part of administrators, but believed it would be held in check by public opinion and the political process.

To test the success of the Founders' ideal, Richardson examines both the character of administrators and the role of ethics in forming that character. He explores the various plans for educating public leaders throughout American history and looks at how attitudes toward public administration have changed in this century, from Woodrow Wilson's scientific ideal to recent proposals to downsize government. Among other suggestions, Richardson advocates reforming existinginstitutions by emphasizing character.

Democracy, Bureaucracy, and Character is an exercise in legitimizing public administration, offering important insights into the Founders' thoughts that can be applied to today's debate over government bureaucracy. Public administration may be problematic by nature, observes Richardson, but it is crucial to our form of government. Through his analysis we can see that, while bureaucracy and democracy have long had an uneasy relationship, neither can be effective unless we fully assess the place and purpose of character in the American regime.

"Thoughtful and cogent throughout, this book excels in explaining the philosophical basis of the Founding Fathers' constitutional craftsmanship. An important addition to the growing literature on the constitutional foundations of public administration". John A. Rohr, author of To Run a Constitution

"A commendable study that well exemplifies the tremendous expansion of the concerns of public administration in the past half century". Dwight Waldo, author of The Enterprise of Public Administration

"A wise and thoughtful book that will be of great interest to officers of government, policy analyst, and citizens". Ralph Ketcham, author of Framed for Posterity: The Enduring Philosophy of the Constitution