Lung, 1996.
"…an engrossing account of the history of respiratory science." (Lung, 1996)


Book Description
Beginning with the medical knowledge of the ancient Graeco-Roman world, this authoritative, easy-to-read reference presents a unique history of breathing physiology--detailing the evolution of our understanding of breathing mechanisms and the physiological function of breathing.

ANNOTATION

The book contains black-and-white illustrations.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Beginning with the medical knowledge of the ancient Graeco-Roman world, this authoritative, easy-to-read reference presents a unique history of breathing physiology - detailing the evolution of our understanding of breathing mechanisms and the physiological function of breathing. Elucidating why breathing and circulation were largely a mystery up until the beginning of the seventeenth century, A History of Breathing Physiology highlights key contributions to the modern conception of respiratory physiology made by great scientists throughout history ... analyzes the importance of Galen's writings and the misunderstandings regarding respiration that persisted long after his death ... delineates the dramatic series of events in the late seventeenth century that culminated in John Mayow's seminal work Tractatus Quinque ... discusses the complex history of the barometer ... traces the development of our knowledge of the existence of O[subscript 2] in the air, our need for O[subscript 2], and our genesis of CO[subscript 2] ... examines the apathy that characterized respiratory research during the hundred years after Mayow ... considers the fundamental nature of flow in the respiratory tract ... and more.

FROM THE CRITICS

Michael E. Nelson

This addition to the Lung Biology in Health and Disease series traces the history of the understanding of respiratory physiology from man's earliest concepts to the more recent advances of the 20th century. The goal of this volume is to chronicle primarily the more notable individuals but also the events that led to current understanding of the function of the lungs. The book meets this goal through the contributions of numerous authors. It provides a necessary complement to the previous editions that have dealt with more scientific topics. Although this book will be attractive primarily to physiologists and historians, its appeal will extend to students of many disciplines. Its authors include individuals who themselves contributed to the more recent advances documented in the text. Unlike more basic works of history, this book contains numerous pictures and illustrations that supplement the text. In addition, it is indexed by both author and subject, allowing for easier access to reference information. Although not an encyclopedic review, this work does a commendable job of presenting the key characters and events largely responsible for our current understanding of the function of the lungs. Though it covers a specialized area of history, it would be a fine addition to medical and nonmedical libraries alike.

Lung

"￯﾿ﾽan engrossing account of the history of respiratory science."

Doody Review Services

Reviewer: Michael E. Nelson, MD (University of Kansas Medical Center)Description: This addition to the Lung Biology in Health and Disease series traces the history of the understanding of respiratory physiology from man's earliest concepts to the more recent advances of the 20th century. Purpose: The goal of this volume is to chronicle primarily the more notable individuals but also the events that led to current understanding of the function of the lungs. The book meets this goal through the contributions of numerous authors. It provides a necessary complement to the previous editions that have dealt with more ^^scientific^^ topics. Audience: Although this book will be attractive primarily to physiologists and historians, its appeal will extend to students of many disciplines. Its authors include individuals who themselves contributed to the more recent advances documented in the text. Features: Unlike more basic works of history, this book contains numerous pictures and illustrations that supplement the text. In addition, it is indexed by both author and subject, allowing for easier access to reference information. Assessment: Although not an encyclopedic review, this work does a commendable job of presenting the key characters and events largely responsible for our current understanding of the function of the lungs. Though it covers a specialized area of history, it would be a fine addition to medical and nonmedical libraries alike.

RATING

3 Stars from Doody

ACCREDITATION

Proctor, Donald F., MD (Johns Hopkins Univ)