From School Library Journal
Grade 5–9—This fact-filled compendium is both a history of the art of transfusions and a scientific discourse on the chemistry of blood. From early "bleeding treatments" to the discovery of the circulatory system; from the earliest attempts at transfusions to Charles Drew's heroic work with plasma in World War II, Winner's clear text takes readers on an epic trip. The author discusses the basic components of human blood, Rh factors, blood typing, and AIDS and other blood-transmitted viral diseases, ending with a brief look into such matters as the ongoing research in genetic engineering, the manufacture of artificial red blood cells, and the development of "bionic" blood. Small black-and-white and color photos abound, and information boxes sprout up here and there. While this title may not circulate as frequently as, say, Seymour Simon's much simpler and more visually attractive The Heart: Our Circulatory System (HarperCollins, 1996), it will surely transfuse new blood into most collections.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
This book from the Discovery! series looks at the history of and science behind blood transfusion. The introductory chapters are particularly compelling, enlivened by the bizarre, superstitious theories of early medical practitioners and vivid descriptions of ghastly practices like bleeding and scarification. Winner goes on to discuss pioneers' early attempts at transferring blood from person to person, to explain the advances in medical knowledge and technologies that made the process safer, and to consider how racial prejudices and the spread of AIDS affected attitudes toward transfusion. Illustrated throughout with diagrams, drawings, and photographs, the text is clear and concise, with interesting sidelights undergirded with practical information for researchers or prospective blood donors. Appendixes include a glossary, bibliography, and suggested book and Web resources for further study. Ed Sullivan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
