Medicines From Nature [Library Binding]

Peggy Thomas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 9, 1997

Discusses how we have learned from traditional healers around the world about the medicinal value of substances from nature.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up--A fascinating journey through the endless search for new and more effective medications. Despite enormous advances in the 20th century, drug-resistant, disease-causing agents and diseases such as AIDS have prompted the rise of researchers known as ethnobotanists. Thomas describes their activities with an air of urgency. As plant and animal species are destroyed by human development and traditional healers in remote regions die without passing on their knowledge, the possibility of discovering new medicines decreases. The author explores how likely sources of medicines and treatments are identified, how they are tested for efficacy against specific diseases, and differences that exist between natural and synthetic drugs. While many books (particularly those on rain forests) stress the importance of plants as possible sources of new medicines, few have delved into the many marine and other nontropical animals discussed here. This book's real strength, however, is its coverage of the future of pharmaceutical development. It describes activities of the National Cancer Institute's National Products Repository, international biodiversity preservation efforts, and unique cooperative pharmaceutical companies. Perhaps the most promising and most chilling line of endeavor is the development of transgenic animals that contain some human DNA. Genetic scientists are beginning to create cows, sheep, and goats that can produce milk containing human blood protein and other proteins useful in treating human clotting disorders. A few full-color photographs break up long stretches of text. A detailed and far-reaching overview.

Ann G. Brouse, Big Flats Branch Library, NY

Copyright 1997 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Library Binding: 128 pages
• Publisher: 21st Century; 1st edition (December 9, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805041680
• ISBN-13: 978-0805041682
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,237,123 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I am the author of more than 15 books for children and teens. I write both fiction and nonfiction, but have to confess that I love the thrill of finding a fascinating true story that kids have not heard yet. It is like uncovering a gleaming gem in a mineshaft.

I learned the art of children's writing watching my mother Margery Facklam, author of more than 40 books, as she typed at the kitchen table while my 4 brothers and I played with Play-doh.

When I am not writing or researching a book, I like to visit schools and talk to kids about books and writing. I also enjoy throwing pots on a pottery wheel, singing with my husband in the Middleport Community Choir, and spending time with my kids, Kate and Dan. We have two dogs, Lily and Bertie, and 6 cats - Roy, George, Gracie, Charlie, Leo and Tig. Visit me at my website: www.Peggythomaswrites.com