In the spirit of Voltaire-and occasionally in the spirit of P. G. Wodehouse-P. B. and J. S. Medawar have crafted for the life sciences a source of reference that is meant for browsing, a book both authoritative and filled with delights. The authors' breadth of knowledge is encyclopedic- arranged, appropriately enough, from A to Z-but more than that, they illuminate the ideas of biology with wit and intelligence and uncommon good sense. They bridge the chasm in our culture between the technically and the humanistically trained, breaking the code of jargon that limits access to scientific understanding. The Medawars' special gift is to offer, at the same time, a pleasurable introduction for the layman and a source of new insight for the specialist. In this book we can find a clear and meaningful definition of interferon, a useful explanation of the immune system, and thoughtful essays on sociobiology, eugenics, and aging. But we also find: "It is a popular fallacy that chewing gum regains its flavor if removed from the mouth and parked, say, under a chair." Whether in a serious discussion of cancer or a whimsical reflection on "chicken and egg" imagery in science, the Medawars' blend of fact, literary allusion, historical anecdote, mythical and folk tradition, and even professional gossip is a rewarding exercise in biology as a humanistic endeavor.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
These little essays are beautifully written, trenchant, witty and informative... Enjoy the lovely prose and the tough precise intelligence... If a central informing theme is to be found in the Medawars' dictionary, it is an appeal for a disciplined and critical mind.--Nature
Two distinguished scientists have made sense of their specialty instead of mystery. Entries on altruism, clones, and simple sweating combine authority with humanity--and even wit.--Los Angeles Times Book Review
Aristotle to Zoos is a recommended introduction to the problems of life science and their profound relevance to our daily lives. P. B. and J. S. Medawar are masterful guides... The Medawars' work is a model of scientific prose. It is written to delight and to teach.--The Bloomsbury Review
One of the most delightful, and delightfully eccentric, dictionaries I have ever encountered... One can learn a tremendous amount of modern biology from it.--Jeremy Bernstein "New York Times Book Review "
The Medawars have ranged over the whole of the subject of the biological sciences, and have combined within one work an enormous amount of up-to-the-minute information on a variety of biological or medical-biological topics.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Shipping:
£ 4.51
Within U.S.A.
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 0.75. Seller Inventory # G0674045378I4N00
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Former library book; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 1.15. Seller Inventory # G0674045378I3N10
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Good. The book has been read but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact and the cover is intact. Some minor wear to the spine. Seller Inventory # GOR005380724
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Valley Books, AMHERST, MA, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: New. 3rd printing. 305pp. Photos on request. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Seller Inventory # 081371
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Priceless Books, Urbana, IL, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: VG. 305pp. Corners lightly rubbed; Front cover & top spine lightly scratched. Index. Seller Inventory # 235170
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Priceless Books, Urbana, IL, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: G+. 305pp. Extremities rubbed & chipped. Index. OK reading copy. Seller Inventory # 220967
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Midtown Scholar Bookstore, Harrisburg, PA, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Good. Good paperback, bumped/creased with shelfwear; may have previous owner's name inside. Standard-sized. Seller Inventory # mon0000105801
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Ergodebooks, Houston, TX, U.S.A.
Softcover. Condition: Good. In the spirit of Voltaire-and occasionally in the spirit of P. G. Wodehouse-P. B. and J. S. Medawar have crafted for the life sciences a source of reference that is meant for browsing, a book both authoritative and filled with delights. The authors breadth of knowledge is encyclopedic- arranged, appropriately enough, from A to Z-but more than that, they illuminate the ideas of biology with wit and intelligence and uncommon good sense. They bridge the chasm in our culture between the technically and the humanistically trained, breaking the code of jargon that limits access to scientific understanding. The Medawars special gift is to offer, at the same time, a pleasurable introduction for the layman and a source of new insight for the specialist.In this book we can find a clear and meaningful definition of interferon, a useful explanation of the immune system, and thoughtful essays on sociobiology, eugenics, and aging. But we also find: It is a popular fallacy that chewing gum regains its flavor if removed from the mouth and parked, say, under a chair.Whether in a serious discussion of cancer or a whimsical reflection on chicken and egg imagery in science, the Medawars blend of fact, literary allusion, historical anecdote, mythical and folk tradition, and even professional gossip is a rewarding exercise in biology as a humanistic endeavor. Seller Inventory # SONG0674045378
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Ammareal, Morangis, France
Softcover. Condition: Bon. Légères traces d'usure sur la couverture. Tampon ou marque sur la face intérieure de la couverture. Edition 1983. Ammareal reverse jusqu'à 15% du prix net de cet article à des organisations caritatives. ENGLISH DESCRIPTION Book Condition: Used, Good. Slight signs of wear on the cover. Stamp or mark on the inside cover page. Edition 1983. Ammareal gives back up to 15% of this item's net price to charity organizations. Seller Inventory # E-227-547
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Paradox Books USA, Fort Collins, CO, U.S.A.
Soft cover. Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. Trade Paperback. Illustrated glossy wrappers. Glued binding. 320 pages, with index. 1st edition, 3rd printing. CONDITION: VERY GOOD, binding square and tight, interior pages crisp and unmarked; former owner's embossed library seal on flyleaf; non-circulating library stamp on ffep and inside back wrapper; sunfaded spine and light edge wear to wrappers. >Guaranteed secure packaging, free tracking, and no-hassle return policy. Seller Inventory # 003666
Quantity: 1 available