Memory is the ability of nervous systems to benefit from experience, present in all higher life forms. It takes many forms, from simple to complex, and is studied across various organisms and methods. The study of memory is central to cognitive neuroscience, revealing its complexity and the challenges it poses for researchers. The second edition of *The Cognitive Neurosciences* includes nine chapters exploring memory, covering both human and nonhuman primate studies. These chapters discuss various methods, including neural recordings, lesion studies, drug effects, and neuroimaging, to understand memory's neuronal substrates and the relationship between neural mechanisms and memory processes. Memory is often divided into systems, such as procedural and cognitive memory. Procedural memory involves learned skills and is implicit, while cognitive memory involves conscious recall and is explicit. Cognitive memory can be further divided into working memory, perceptual representation, semantic memory, and episodic memory. These systems are separable and supported by evidence from behavioral, neuroimaging, and pharmacological studies. Memory tasks involve three stages: encoding, storage, and retrieval. Encoding is the process of converting information into a form that can be stored. Storage maintains information over time, and retrieval brings it back into conscious awareness. The distinction between explicit and implicit memory lies in the awareness of the retrieval process. Explicit memory involves conscious recollection, while implicit memory is unconscious and automatic. The distinction between remembering and knowing refers to two types of awareness during retrieval: recollection (remembering) and familiarity (knowing). These concepts are crucial in understanding memory processes and are explored in various chapters of the book. Memory research also considers the role of consciousness in memory. While behavioral performance is often used to measure memory, recent studies highlight the importance of conscious experiences during retrieval. This has led to a focus on explicit and implicit memory, as well as the distinction between recollection and familiarity. Memory studies in nonhuman animals provide insights into memory mechanisms, though findings may not directly apply to humans. The structural similarities among mammalian brains, especially primates, suggest some functional similarities, but the exact nature of these similarities remains a challenge. The field of cognitive neuroscience has advanced significantly, with new techniques and findings reshaping our understanding of memory. The second edition of *The Cognitive Neurosciences* reflects these developments, offering a comprehensive overview of memory research and its implications for understanding the brain and mind.Memory is the ability of nervous systems to benefit from experience, present in all higher life forms. It takes many forms, from simple to complex, and is studied across various organisms and methods. The study of memory is central to cognitive neuroscience, revealing its complexity and the challenges it poses for researchers. The second edition of *The Cognitive Neurosciences* includes nine chapters exploring memory, covering both human and nonhuman primate studies. These chapters discuss various methods, including neural recordings, lesion studies, drug effects, and neuroimaging, to understand memory's neuronal substrates and the relationship between neural mechanisms and memory processes. Memory is often divided into systems, such as procedural and cognitive memory. Procedural memory involves learned skills and is implicit, while cognitive memory involves conscious recall and is explicit. Cognitive memory can be further divided into working memory, perceptual representation, semantic memory, and episodic memory. These systems are separable and supported by evidence from behavioral, neuroimaging, and pharmacological studies. Memory tasks involve three stages: encoding, storage, and retrieval. Encoding is the process of converting information into a form that can be stored. Storage maintains information over time, and retrieval brings it back into conscious awareness. The distinction between explicit and implicit memory lies in the awareness of the retrieval process. Explicit memory involves conscious recollection, while implicit memory is unconscious and automatic. The distinction between remembering and knowing refers to two types of awareness during retrieval: recollection (remembering) and familiarity (knowing). These concepts are crucial in understanding memory processes and are explored in various chapters of the book. Memory research also considers the role of consciousness in memory. While behavioral performance is often used to measure memory, recent studies highlight the importance of conscious experiences during retrieval. This has led to a focus on explicit and implicit memory, as well as the distinction between recollection and familiarity. Memory studies in nonhuman animals provide insights into memory mechanisms, though findings may not directly apply to humans. The structural similarities among mammalian brains, especially primates, suggest some functional similarities, but the exact nature of these similarities remains a challenge. The field of cognitive neuroscience has advanced significantly, with new techniques and findings reshaping our understanding of memory. The second edition of *The Cognitive Neurosciences* reflects these developments, offering a comprehensive overview of memory research and its implications for understanding the brain and mind.