The Epic History Of Biology [Paperback]

Anthony Serafini (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 073820577X | ISBN-13: 978-0738205779 | Publication Date: August 7, 2001 | Edition: 1

The search for our elusive human origins and an understanding of the mysteries of the human body have challenged the most inquisitive and imaginative thinkers from Egyptian times through the twentieth century. In The Epic History of Biology, Anthony Serafini - a distinguished philosopher and historian of science - regales the reader with the triumphs and failures of the geniuses of the life sciences. The subtleties of the animal kingdom - anatomy, zoology, and reproduction - along with the complexities of the plant kingdom, have fascinated humanity as far back as 5000 years ago. Astounding ancient knowledge of the arcane curing powers of herbs as well as early experimentation with different chemical combinations for such purposes as mummification led to today's biological technology. Innovative pioneers such as Aristotle, Galen, Hippocrates, and Vesalius challenged the limits of knowledge and single-mindedly pursued their work, often in the face of blind superstition. In superb, lyrical prose Serafini recreates the ideas and theories of these revolutionaries from ancient times through today, against the backdrop of the dogma and prejudices of their time. He explores the inspired revelations that gave birth to such discoveries as the controversial theory of evolution, the humble origins of genetics, the fantastic predictions of quantum mechanics, and the infinite promise of computer technology. Even today the biological sciences are undergoing rapid and kaleidoscopic changes. Every new insight gives rise to a myriad of new ethical questions and responsibilities. The Epic History of Biology confronts these issues head on and predicts the wondrous new directions biology will follow.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books; 1 edition (August 7, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 073820577X
• ISBN-13: 978-0738205779
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #472,048 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars very well done, December 5, 2006

By 

Doc Dave "Doc Dave" (Georgia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Epic History Of Biology (Paperback)

This fascingating and readable account of the history of biology, from ancient times through genetic engineering, should be really inspirational to those with an interest in the science. The author does a great job of giving the right amount of detail, with coverage of people and concepts brief enough to make it highly readable. Also high marks to the author for writing in an accessible style that is inviting and unintimidating. This is one of the best and most enjoyable history of biology books available, and for those who want to understand how we got to where we are in the field, this is a great place to start looking.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing, gripping and educational reading..., June 26, 2006

By 

E. Hanneman "SonoranReader" (Sonoran Desert, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Epic History Of Biology (Paperback)

This book offers a fast-paced dive into the players and cultural influences throughout the ages that contributed to biology. Anthony Serafini captures reader interest with vignettes that include the major accomplishments coupled with peripheral factors that offer the reader a better understanding of the thinking and influences rampant so many years ago, e.g., Aristotlean philosophy and how it influenced the views of such luminaries as Anton van Leeuwenhoek. This book caused me to step outside my usual thinking - rather like when I travel to a foreign country - except Serafini was taking me into the past. He made me wonder just what influences today are propelling us forward, holding us in limbo, and even causing us to slide back. It is a book that appeals to me on many levels as I gained from it greater insight into history, science, and creativity.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Revealing Account of Biology's Past, May 11, 2010

By 

Ila France Porcher "author of My Sunset Rende... - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Epic History Of Biology (Paperback)

I was motivated to find and read this book because it seemed counterintuitive that while biology has made such extraordinary advancements, at the same time, the living systems of the planet have come under threat as never before. It seemed that somewhere biology had taken a wrong turn. Why was its first priority not to understand the biosphere and guide the activities of humanity to keep it healthy for the benefit of all?

This book answers these questions as it leads us through the history of biology, beginning with its powerful religious roots, which affect it to this day. The denial of the animal as a sentient living creature linked to us by evolutionary continuity was basic. Animals were considered instead as mechanical automatons, which over the centuries has been highly convenient, as is seen in modern agribusiness, medicine, and millions of often trivial scientific experiments which ignore animal suffering and their biological needs.

Biology focused its attention inward, first through cutting up animals, alive or dead, continuously probing deeper and deeper into their most minute workings. With the discovery of the microscope, cellular functions could be analysed, and experimented with, and eventually DNA and its make-up and the possibilities for changing it, became biology's crowning achievement.

The wider study of the interactions of the millions of life forms that make up the biospere was essentially ignored, with the result that biology has failed to protect us from the ecological crisis now upon us.

This is a very enlightening book. A must read when wondering how the world evolved into its current state.