Sect. 1. Introducing the brain. In the beginning -- The history of the human brain - so it does do something after all -- The evolution of the brain - how the brain came to be -- Nerves - the body electric -- Sect. 2. Making a brain and mind from one cell. The development of the brain - growing a nervous system -- The anatomy of the brain - understanding the grand plan -- The supporting structures of the brain - what a brain needs to survive -- The development of behaviour and reasoning - learning to be human -- Sect. 3. Having and using a brain as an adult. Consciousness - the ultimate mystery -- Memory - putting the past in perspective -- Sleep - bedtime for the brain -- The motor system - making movement and motion -- The sensory system - feel the world -- The visuospatial system - making light work -- Language, hearing and music - making sense of sound -- Emotions and the limbic system - the heart and the head -- Investigating the brain - discovering the diagnosis -- Living for ever - the fountain of youth -- The end?