Microbes and Man (3rd Edn)

Postgate, John

ISBN 10: 0521423554 / ISBN 13: 9780521423557

Published by Cambridge University Press, 1992

About this Item

This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has soft covers. Book contains pencil markings. In poor condition, suitable as a reading copy. Library sticker on front cover. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,550grams, ISBN:9780521423557.

Seller Inventory # 4327967

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Microbes and Man (3rd Edn)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521423554
• ISBN 13: 9780521423557
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 3rd Edition
• Condition: Poor
• Weight: 550 grams
• Seller catalogs:
  • Biology

About this title

Synopsis

This fully updated and revised edition of Professor Postgate's best-selling book provides an inspiring introduction to the fascinating world of microbes and their profound influence on man and the environment we live in. Microbes are everywhere. In the air, in soil, in water, on our skin and hair, in our mouths and intestines, on and in the food we eat. They make the soil fertile; they clean up the environment; they change, often improve, our food; they make vitamins for us inside ourselves; some protect us from less desirable microbes. As 'germs', microbes are regarded as nasty, because a few can cause disease, a few can spoil food, a few can destroy valuable materials. Only when such misfortunes occur are most people conscious of microbes at all. Yet collectively, microbes present a fascinating world of invisible, or barely visible, creatures, which together encompass all the processes of which terrestrial life is capable; creatures which have had, and continue to have, profound effects on our lives and surroundings. In this book, John Postgate explains to ordinary non-scientist readers the impact this invisible community has on our everyday lives, and conveys the excitement microbes can generate in those who study them.

Book Description

This classic introduction to the fascinating world of microbes has now been extensively updated to include such topical issues as BSE, food poisoning, genetic engineering and gene therapy. It deals with the ways in which microbes affect peoples' lives in everyday matters, such as in disease, health, hygiene and nutrition, and also discusses their part in socio-economic areas such as agriculture, biotechnology, genetic engineering and the stability of the environment. This popular account will appeal to students of microbiology as well as to the general reader.