Bones: The Unity Of Form And Function
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Book Overview
Few creations of nature display the perfect unity of form and function found in the vertebrate skeleton. Ingeniously designed by the processes of evolution, bones are marvels of engineering. In tribute to both the beauty and mechanics of its subject, Bones explores the structure, material, and movement of bones. It examines the composition of bone material, looks at joints and muscle attachments that allow for movement-including such elaborate mechanisms as fish jaws, rattlesnake fangs, and a lion's retractable claws-and shows how the same bone is shaped wildly differently in a variety of animals.A wealth of specially commissioned color plates shows bones as they have seldom been seen before. The luminous images range from the unusual (the skeleton of a pygmy flying squirrel) to the ordinary (the tailbones of a domestic cat), and from the enormous (the vertebra of a dinosaur) to the minuscule (the acoustic bones of a desert kangaroo rat). With its blend of lively science and unexpected beauty, Bones leaves readers with insight into the workings of the skeleton, and a sense of wonder at its intricacy.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0813338069
ISBN13:9780813338064
Release Date:October 2000
Publisher:Basic Books
Length:224 Pages
Weight:2.35 lbs.
Dimensions:11.0" x 0.5" x 10.3"
Customer Reviews
2 ratings
Bones: The unity of form and function
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
This is a great and informative book. I work in an orthopedic office and have received many favorable comments both from adults and children.
An insightful and beautiful survey of life itself.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
Although my initial interest in this book stemmed from a pursuit of amatuer paleontology, I soon discovered that Dr. Alexander had written a very general and succinct discussion of how and why bones are as they are. His presentation ranges from most interesting mechanical considerations to those of esthetics. The very well written text is supported by beautiful photography -- who would have thought that 'bones' could be so interesting?My only regret is that I am reviewing a borrowed copy. Unfortunately, the book is out of print, and I cannot find even a used copy. I intend to contact the publisher and encourage a second printing.Meanwhile, check you library resources. This book is well worth reading and contemplating.G. Patrick Martin, Ph. D.
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