Newton Rules Biology: A Physical Approach to Biological Problems [Paperback]

C. J. Pennycuick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 21, 1992

This book invites biologists to look at their science from the point of view of Newtonian physics. Because biology occupies that range of scale over which Newton's mechanics can account for physical processes to a level of precision appreciably higher than that to which biologists are accustomed, this is an exercise that can yield new insights and a fuller understanding of biological processes. Writing in a clear, accessible style, the author demonstrates the operation of physical laws at all levels, from cellular structures to entire ecosystems. In fact, although ecology might seem an unpromising field for a mechanical approach, it is here that considerations of such Newtonian concepts as mass and rates of flow are most valuable, yielding new information on the constraints to the dynamics and development of integrated systems, including those that contain human populations.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`This is a book for biologists (students and others) who can cope with a few simple equations but may not have much grounding in physics. It will also be enjoyed by physical scientists. It is full of stimulating ideas . . . and deserves to be widely read.' Times Higher Education Supplement

'valuable book ... Pennycuick writes with great clarity, treading a helpful path between imprecision and unnecessary mathematical elaboration. I found plenty in this slim volume to intrigue and delight every biologist. The book is packed with novel insights and fascinating asides.' Michael Reiss, Biologist (1992) 39 (4)

'This book reflects both Pennycuick's eclectic interests and his physical, biological and mathematical intuition ... given the clear and engaging exposition, might be just the thing to convince reluctant biology undergraduates that they need to acquire mathematical skills or to give potential applied mathematicians some ideas on problems that would repay their attention.' Michael LaBarbera, University of Chicago, Bulletin of Mathematical Biology, vol. 55, No. 5, 1993

'the book is enjoyable reading ... I would recommend it to any biologist. There are few who would feel that they had not gained new insights and were not refreshed from reading this book.' R.S. Batty, Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 176 (1994)

'This is a thought-provoking gem of a book. Colin Pennycuick is well known for his elegant analyses of bird flight mechanics and resultant behaviour, and here he has extended his rigorous methodology to biology in general. Pennycuick has produced a text which is both highly readable and original. Well-ordered and informative figures take the reader through each biological phenomenon, and he resorts to impressively little jargon.' Rachel Wood, University of Cambridge, Palaeontology Newsletter, No. 23, Summer 1994

About the Author

C. J. Pennycuick, Maytag Professor of Ornithology, University of Miami.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (May 21, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198540213
• ISBN-13: 978-0198540212
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,255,959 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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