The Epic History Of Biology

by Anthony Serafini

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.

Genres: Biology, History, Science, Nonfiction

408 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[André Prado · Rating 2 out of 5]

Considero a proposta do livro um tanto ousada, assim como qualquer livro que vá contar a história de uma área do conhecimento cuja delimitação não existia há poucas centenas de anos. Nesse aspecto o autor se sai bem, com uma abordagem interdisciplinar nos momentos em que a Biologia ainda não havia sido formalizada. Vale ressaltar, no entanto, que o autor trata quase exclusivamente da história da biologia no ocidente, deixando isso claro nas primeiras páginas. Isso me desagradou um pouco, ainda somado ao fato de que quase não há menções a cientistas fora do âmbito EUA-Europa. A abordagem histórica me desagradou por não dar espaço para controvérsias científicas, e acabar passando a ideia de uma ciência superficialmente linear. Além disso, a organização que mescla escala temporal com categorias temáticas, funciona bem em alguns momentos, mas se torna confusa em outros.

O panorama fornecido pelo livro é válido para os que buscam um compilado linear de inovações teóricas e práticas na Biologia associado aos autores que contribuíram para seu surgimento. Dentro dessa proposta o conteúdo tratado na maioria dos períodos históricos me foi satisfatório, exceto pelo século XX, em que o autor quase não trata das novas contribuições para a teoria evolutiva relativas à Nova Síntese, por exemplo.

[Bob Prophet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very inspirational book for my young mind, read for a correspondence course taken prior to attending college.

[Becky Shattuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is so much information in the book that it would be impossible to remember all of the scientists and their contributions to biology. However, it's a good book to better understand how scientists build from one another's ideas and how the understanding of biology has changed over time.