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Books > Biography > Science, technology & engineering
In January 2020, leading epidemiologist Professor Mark Woolhouse
learned of a new virus taking hold in China. He immediately foresaw
a hard road ahead for the entire world, and emailed the Chief
Medical Officer of Scotland warning that the UK should urgently
begin preparations. A few days later he received a polite reply
stating only that everything was under control. In this astonishing
account, Mark Woolhouse shares his story as an insider, having
served on advisory groups to both the Scottish and UK governments.
He reveals the disregarded advice, frustration of dealing with
politicians, and the missteps that led to the deaths of vulnerable
people, damage to livelihoods and the disruption of education. He
explains the follies of lockdown and sets out the alternatives.
Finally, he warns that when the next pandemic comes, we must not
dither and we must not panic; never again should we make a global
crisis even worse. The Year the World Went Mad puts our recent,
devastating, history in a completely new light.
In 1885, Thomas Edison, age thirty-nine and already a
world-famous inventor, met the two great loves of his life: Mina
Miller and Fort Myers, Florida. Mina soon became his second wife,
and Fort Myers--a remote, almost inaccessible, village on Florida's
southwest coast--became their winter home.
Other tomes tell the global account of Thomas Edison, the
American icon named by Life magazine as the "Man of the
Millennium." This book offers a look at his life in his tropical
retreat, his "jungle," where for forty-six years he and his bride
sought refuge from the cold winters and the demanding lifestyle of
his New Jersey home, laboratory, and business complex.
While in Fort Myers he watched over his extensive botanical
gardens, fished from both his boat and his long dock, interacted
with the locals, and labored for many hours in his laboratory.
Henry Ford and his family lived nextdoor and many dignitaries came
to visit, including President-elect Hoover and Harvey
Firestone.
The Edisons became an essential part of the Fort Myers story. They
made lifelong friendships with townsfolk and joined in local
activities until the love affair of the Edisons was cut short by
the death of Thomas in 1931. Mina continued to live out her love
for Fort Myers and its people until her death in 1947. She gave
their winter estate, Seminole Lodge (Thomas's "jungle"), to the
grateful citizens of Fort Myers.
Ride in the back of the ambulance with Sherry Jones Mayo
Share the innermost feelings of emergency services workers as they
encountertrauma, tragedy, redemption, and even a little humor.
Sherry Jones Mayo has beenan Emergency Medical Technician,
Emergerncy Room Nurse, and an on-scene criticalincident debriefer
for Hurricane Katrina. Most people who have observed orexperienced
physical, mental or emotional crisis have single perspectives.
Thisbook allows readers to stand on both sides of the gurney; it
details a progressionfrom innocence to enlightened caregiver to
burnout, glimpsing into each stage personallyand professionally.
Emergency Service Professionals Praise "Confessions of a Trauma
Junkie"
"A must read for those who choose to subject themselves to life at
its best and atits worst. Sherry offers insight in the Emergency
Response business that most peoplecannot imagine."
--Maj Gen Richard L. Bowling, former Commanding General, USAF
Auxiliary (CAP)
"Sherry Mayo shares experiences and unique personal insights of
first responders.Told with poetry, sensitivity and a touch of humor
at times, all are real, providingviews into realities EMTs, Nurses,
and other first responders encounter. Recommendedreading for anyone
working with trauma, crises, critical incidents in anyprofession."
-- George W. Doherty, MS, LPC, President Rocky Mountain Region
Disaster Mental Health Institute
"Sherry has captured the essence of working with people who have
witnessedtrauma. It made me cry, it made me laugh, it helped me to
understand differentlythe work of our Emergency Services Personnel.
I consider this a 'MUST READ' forall of us who wish to be helpful
to those who work in these professions."
--Dennis Potter, LMSW, CAAC, FAAETS, ICISF Instructor
"Confessions of a Trauma Junkie is an honest, powerful, and moving
account ofthe emotional realities of helping others Sherry Mayo
gives us a privileged lookinto the healing professions she knows
firsthand. The importance of peer supportis beautifully
illustrated. This book will deepen the readers respect for those
whoserve."
--Victor Welzant, PsyD, Director of Education and Training, The
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc
Learn more at www.SherryJonesMayo.com
Available in trade paper, hardcover, and eBook formats
From the Reflections of America Series
Modern History Press www.ModernHistoryPress.com
MED003010 Medical: Allied Health Services - Emergency Medical
Services
BIO017520 Biography & Autobiography: Medical - General
PSY022040 Psychology: Psychopathology - Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder
In 1853, Langstroth published The Hive and the Honey-Bee
(Northampton (Massachusetts): Hopkins, Bridgman, 1853), which
provided practical advice on bee management and, is the basis of
this publication. Langstroth revolutionized the beekeeping industry
by using bee space in his top-opening hive. In the summer of 1851
he found that, by leaving an even, approximately bee-sized space
between the top of the frames holding the honeycomb and the flat
coverboard above, he was able quite easily to remove the
coverboard, which was normally well cemented to the frames with
propolis, making separation hard to achieve. He later used this
discovery to make the frames themselves easily removable. If a
small space was left (less than 1/4 inch or 6.4 mm) the bees filled
it with propolis; on the other hand, when a larger space was left
(more than 3/8 inch or 9.5 mm) the bees filled it with comb. On 5
October 1852, Langstroth received a patent on the first movable
frame beehive in America. A Philadelphia cabinetmaker, Henry
Bourquin, a fellow bee enthusiast, made Langstroth's first hives
for him and by 1852 Langstroth had more than a hundred of these
hives and began selling them where he could. Langstroth spent many
years attempting to defend his patent without success. He never
earned any royalties because the patent was easily and widely
infringed. Langstroth hives are still in common use today.
Writing a memoir was not only an interesting experience for this
Professor of Applied Physics at Stanford University, but it also
provided him an opportunity to revisit his past with his sons. The
author graduated from Cornell in 1953 in Engineering Physics and
received his PhD in Physics in 1956 at the University of Illinois.
He was then at the General Electric Research Laboratory until 1965,
when he moved to Stanford. He has seen his life transform from a
physics student to husband, father, author, professor, scoutmaster,
von Humboldt scholar, and sometimes musician. His published books
include Pseudopotentials, Solid State Theory, Elementary Electronic
Structure, and Applied Quantum Mechanics. Here he draws a parallel
with the ancient alchemical goal of transforming lead into gold.
The reader will find this engaging memoir rich in anecdotes and
stories that constitute the various transformations resulting in
what may be called a 'golden experience'.
'Michael DayaEURO (TM)s insightful aEURO~philosophical
biographyaEURO (TM) of J Robert Oppenheimer stands out from other
works on the so-called aEURO~father of the atomic bombaEURO (TM) by
its focus on the post-war period and by the depth of its
philosophical engagement with his humanistic thought on science and
culture.'Centaurus ReviewIncorporating elements from history,
science, philosophy and international relations theory, this book
takes a fresh look at the life and thought of Robert
Oppenheimer.The author argues that not only are Oppenheimer's ideas
important, engaging and relevant, but also more coherent than
generally assumed. He makes a convincing case that Oppenheimer has
much to say about 21st century issues, and his voice should be
brought back into the public forum.The book recovers and
reconstructs what Oppenheimer said and wrote during the 1940s, 50s
and 60s (i.e., his hope and vision) with the goal of identifying
what might be of general philosophical interest today. It considers
not only Oppenheimer's thought, but also his life using
philosophical ideas developed by contemporary philosophers.In
addition, to deepen and broaden the discussion and demonstrate the
relevance of Oppenheimer's vision for the present, the author
analyzes his views using contemporary international relations
theory with a special emphasis on nuclear nonproliferation and
disarmament. This examination reveals ways in which Oppenheimer's
reasoning was prescient of current work being carried out to
control, and possibly move beyond, the nuclear revolution.
This is a compilation of tributes to a gentleman who has impacted
the field of biomedical engineering and musculoskeletal science for
four decades through his research, his guidance and mentorships,
his friendships, and his love for the field, family, and friends.
It provides readers with a view of how one man can impact so many.
Walter Thirring is the last offspring of an Austrian family of
scientists. In this moving narrative, he describes how he survived
the Nazi occupation and became instrumental in reconstructing
European science.Thirring is one of the last living physicists who
worked on the greatest discoveries and with the greatest scientists
of the 20th century. He recollects encounters with the old masters
like Einstein, Schroedinger, Heisenberg, Pauli and others as well
as his collaborations with the present stars like Murray Gell-Mann
and Elliott Lieb. The book presents the challenges faced when one
of the major paradigm shifts took place, namely, the shift away
from atomistic theory and Newtonian physics towards field theory
and quantum mechanics. Every step is presented in clear,
understandable language which reflects Thirring's extensive
experience in training the next generation. Additionally, Thirring
describes his fascinating and profound life experiences, growing up
under Nazi occupation, serving in the war, striving to establish
scientific excellence and in reaching out across the Iron Curtain.
A true Renaissance man, he concludes by discussing his love of
music, and it is clear that his passion for learning is only
matched by his passion for music, a sampling of which can be found
at .A work that inspires at every junction and is decisively
re-readable, Thirring's autobiography is assuredly a must-have for
anyone interested in science, physics and history.
Like many new general practitioners in the 1950s, Dr. Anthoy Betts
faced few real opportunities under the new British National Health
Care system. So, with little more than a suitcase, he and his wife
and two babies set off for the U.S.A. Moving to rural Maine in the
middle of January, they quickly learned practical lessons about
snow tires, long johns, dry gas, and the distinction between
"green" and "white" firewood. Dr. Betts also found that his new
practice sometimes required procedures not endorsed in any modern
medical text-for example, home births took place atop a thick layer
of newspapers spread on the floor in front of the wood stove! He
was expected to be on call at all times, though he learned that if
he hung a "Gone Fishing" sign on his door nobody would question his
absence. And he also quickly learned not to trust verbal directions
to houses on back-country roads. Despite the differences of
language and social custom, the young urban Englishman was welcomed
by most of his patients and fellow doctors-even sharing an office
with Dr. Jack Hornberger, the real Hawkeye and author of M*A*S*H,
newly returned from Korea to build his own practice. Dr. Betts's
sense of humor helped him adapt to the strange culture he
encountered in Maine. And it is that same wry amusement that makes
this memoir so immensely enjoyable.
'Michael DayaEURO (TM)s insightful aEURO~philosophical
biographyaEURO (TM) of J Robert Oppenheimer stands out from other
works on the so-called aEURO~father of the atomic bombaEURO (TM) by
its focus on the post-war period and by the depth of its
philosophical engagement with his humanistic thought on science and
culture.'Centaurus ReviewIncorporating elements from history,
science, philosophy and international relations theory, this book
takes a fresh look at the life and thought of Robert
Oppenheimer.The author argues that not only are Oppenheimer's ideas
important, engaging and relevant, but also more coherent than
generally assumed. He makes a convincing case that Oppenheimer has
much to say about 21st century issues, and his voice should be
brought back into the public forum.The book recovers and
reconstructs what Oppenheimer said and wrote during the 1940s, 50s
and 60s (i.e., his hope and vision) with the goal of identifying
what might be of general philosophical interest today. It considers
not only Oppenheimer's thought, but also his life using
philosophical ideas developed by contemporary philosophers.In
addition, to deepen and broaden the discussion and demonstrate the
relevance of Oppenheimer's vision for the present, the author
analyzes his views using contemporary international relations
theory with a special emphasis on nuclear nonproliferation and
disarmament. This examination reveals ways in which Oppenheimer's
reasoning was prescient of current work being carried out to
control, and possibly move beyond, the nuclear revolution.
Published in 1994: This book is to commemorate the one hundredth
anniversary of Heinrich Hertz's death at the terribly young age of
thirty-six. The introductory biography together with eleven papers
by Hertz and seven about him are intended to highlight the
importance of Hertz's contributions to physics and at the same time
to serve the needs of anyone interested in doing research on this
highly gifted scientist.
First published in 1978. This biography aims solve the problem of
the lack of access to information regarding American engineers and
technologists of the nineteenth-century, whilst also providing
opportunities for scholars to study and assess the work of hitherto
little known, potentially important figures. This title will be of
interest to scholars and students of science and history.
Alice Zwicker was the only service woman from Maine to be a
prisoner of the enemy in either of the two World Wars. But there is
more to the story than that. Across the nation, wherever one of the
seventy-seven Angels of Bataan returned home, there was a hero's
welcome. Those Army and Navy nurses had shown what American women
could do and be, even in times of defeat. This is Alice's story:
her growing up in a small Maine town, her commitment to the
profession of nursing, and her immersion in World War II. There was
Manila, Bataan, Corregidor, and then three long, hungry years when
she was held prisoner by the Japanese. For Alice, the terrible
legacy of war did not end with her liberation from internment camp,
or even with her coming home. When victory finally arrived for
Alice, it was achieved in her own soul.
First published in 1965. In 1865, a woman first obtained a legal
qualification in this country as physician and surgeon. Elizabeth
Garrett surprised public opinion by the calm obstinacy with which
she fought for her own medical education and that of the young
women who followed her. This full biography is based largely on
unpublished material from the hospitals and medical schools where
Elizabeth Garrett Anderson worked, and the private papers of the
Garrett and Anderson families. This title will be of great interest
to history of science students.
First published in 1932. The widespread influence of Gregor Johann
Mendel's work and his own remarkable destiny combine to arouse
interest in the personality and the life of this investigator who,
little known in his lifetime, was one of the pioneers of science.
This comprehensive biography of the life and work of Mendel will be
of great interest to historians and scientists.
First published in 1963. Humphry Davy, knighted by the Prince
Regent in 1812 for his contributions to science, and later created
baronet for his invention of the miners' safety lamp, was among the
foremost European chemists in the early nineteenth century. Anne
Treneer tells in full the story of Humphry Davy's life. From
letters, journals and memoirs of the time, Davy and his
contemporaries come to life. This title will be of great interest
to scientists and historians.
TerryAnn Fisher never dreamed she would outlive her son. In her
compelling memoir, Conversations with my Son, she chronicles her
life from the day she received the phone call that would change her
life forever to the moment her son Troy took his last breath. This
is the story of TerryAnn and Troy and their journey together.
TerryAnn s son, Troy, was diagnosed with AIDS when he applied for
the Coast Guard and his mother hoped that the recruiter was kind
when he revealed the blood test results to Troy. With an honest and
self-disclosing style, TerryAnn chronicles Troy s symptoms, his
physical and emotional struggles, and her own fears. Conversations
with my Son shares one mother s poignant anecdotes with the hope
that she can help others deal with the myriad of emotions that
accompany caring for a terminally ill loved one.
This book, first available in 1994, was published to commemorate
the one-hundredth anniversary of Heinrich Hertz's death at the
terribly young age of thirty-six. The introductory biography
together with eleven papers by Hertz and seven about him are
intended to highlight the importance of Hertz's contributions to
physics and at the same time to serve the needs of anyone
interested in doing research on this highly gifted scientist.
This book traces memoirs of a family doctor who shunned the notion
of becoming a physician as he observed his family doctor father
while growing up. To spend so many years in school-only to have
meals, sleep, and vacations interrupted by needy patients-offered
no allure. Not until his third year of college did he make the
career choice, and his tale traverses his experiences from college,
medical school, internship, U.S. Navy, to practicing in Colorado.
His story includes abundant patient anecdotes, plus his take on
racism, medical malpractice, and health reform. Dr. Wolf's humanism
is evident throughout, and is evidenced by the fact that the
royalties from his book will go to a Boulder County low-income
clinic he helped found in 1977.
It was a low-level panic at first, but very quickly there were big
changes taking place. Day by day, wards were being cleared to make
way for Covid-positive patients. Things were getting worse by the
day. For the first time in my nursing career, I felt scared. As a
palliative care nurse, it is Kelly Critcher's job to look death in
the eye - to save a patient while the fight can still be won, and
confront life's end with grace and kindness when it can't. In early
2020, everything changed for nurses on the NHS front line. Working
on Covid wards and the High Dependency Unit, Kelly spent the height
of the coronavirus crisis at Northwick Park hospital - perhaps the
UK hospital most deeply ravaged by the illness. She, and many
others like her, battled tirelessly in a critical care unit pushed
to breaking point, delivering the bad news and fighting the good
fight, day-in, day-out, throughout the gravest test our health
service has faced since its inception. Kelly's story weaves
together her raw, emotional diaries from the COVID frontline with a
broader reflection on the truths about a life spent caught between
battling for her patients' lives and helping them face down death
with courage and compassion. Bringing together the enormity of the
last twelve months - and the scars it will leave - this is a book
for our times.
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