This text investigates the core proposition that the clinical practice of anesthesiology is fundamentally rooted in neuroscientific principles rather than purely procedural skill. Authors George A. Mashour and Ralph Lydic, both established experts in the field, curate contributions from leading researchers to construct a framework that links anesthetic modulation to the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems. The book argues for a paradigm shift in how anesthesiologists perceive their discipline by grounding patient care in the underlying biological mechanisms of the nervous system.

Experts recognize this text as a foundational resource for bridging the gap between clinical practice and neurobiological research. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which is intended for practitioners and researchers seeking a deep understanding of the nervous system's role in anesthesia.