The story—and the science—of nature's greatest engine. Whether we blink an eye, lift a finger, throw a spear or a ball, walk, run, or merely breathe, we are using muscle. Although muscles differ little in appearance and performance across the animal kingdom, they accomplish tasks as diverse as making flies fly, rattlesnakes rattle, and squid shoot their tentacles.
Our everyday activities turn on the performance of nature's main engine: we may breathe harder going uphill, but we put more strain on our muscles walking downhill. Those of us who are right-handed can tighten screws and jar lids more forcibly than we can loosen them. Here we're treated to the story of how form and performance make these things happen—how nature does her work.
Steven Vogel is a leader in the great new field of bioengineering, which is rapidly explaining the beauty and efficiency of nature. His talents as both scientist and writer shine in this masterful narrative of biological ingenuity, as he relates the story—and science—of nature's greatest engine.
"An entertaining and compelling overview of what we know about muscle."—Science News
"Manages to educate, enlighten, and entertain....fascinating reading."—Science, Sharon Swartz
"A book that should be enjoyed and understood by intelligent non-scientists as much as by scientists...entertaining and illuminating."—Nature, R. McNeill Alexander
"Muscle is a wonderful lens through which to study evolution and human history."—Washington Post Book World, David Brown
"Biomechanics comes alive in a discussion blending science, health, history, and mechanical insights."—Bookwatch
"A thorough and engaging account of how muscles work and how their physiology has influenced the development of human culture."—Exploratorium Magazine
"Fascinating.... [Vogel's] interests seemingly know no bounds, and he takes the readers along with him on a complex, absorbing journey of exploration notable for its unexpected twists and turns."—Kirkus Reviews starred review
"Positively gripping."—Booklist
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