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BIOLOGY AND WORLD HEALTH by Madeleine P. Grant Kirkus Star

BIOLOGY AND WORLD HEALTH

By

Pub Date: Feb. 25th, 1955
Publisher: Abelard-Schuman

An excellent introduction to biology relates the science to social health and gives meaning to its role in the betterment of physical and mental well being for individuals and the world at large. Dr. Grant teaches biology at Sarah Lawrence College and is well known in her field. To orient the reader, her first chapters are devoted to the basic characteristics of living, healthy organisms- the qualities of energy, irritability, the necessity for physical, mental and social well being the world over. The definition is broadened then by a clear explanation of the oneness of all life in cellular construction, the means by which plants and animals get their energy and the web of interconnections. Specific examples follow. The earthworm, and the tapeworm are illustrations of good and bad interrelationships in the biological world, as are certain kinds of microbes and viruses. Through science, man furthers and prevents the natural goods and evils that surround him, though in the last analysis spiritual health must be won too. How organizations like the U.N.'s W.H.O. works towards these ends rounds out a dramatic survey. Stimulating reading.