Introduction to artificial neural networks

A general introduction to the subject of artificial neural networks is given and the tenuous relationship of neural networks to the biological neuron structure of the brain is also briefly outlined. The development of artificial neural networks has been marked by periods of considerable optimism and others of disillusionment. A realistic assessment of the potential of artificial neural networks is attempted and some of the unrealistic expectations which has grown around a new and developing subject are dispelled. The study of artificial neural networks originally grew out of a desire to understand the function of the biological brain. This relationship between the biological neuron and the artificial neuron has been of great importance in past research but at the present time it does not appear to be a fruitful field. A basic description of the biological neural network is included so that the debt the artificial neural network owes to the biological neural network may be appreciated