Abstract
THE distinguished paleontologist who directs the New York State Museum at Albany has here brought together a number of instances of dependent life, tending to or attaining a parasitic habit, as presented by fossils mostly of palæozoic age. Some of these have long been known, others are due to Dr. Clarke's own skilled observation, but it is useful to have them all assembled. On this foundation is reared an edifice of philosophic conclusions, imposing in its dimensions and decorated with much verbal ornament. But, as in all great architecture, the main lines of the structure are few and simple, nor do they diverge unduly from accepted tradition. “Disease is any departure from normal living.” “Normal living means full activity of an unimpaired physiology inclusive of the function of locomotion or mobility.” Those who consider the lilies of the field will protest that these definitions are scarcely traditional. True; but, if they be accepted as interpretations of terminology, the actual theses will not appear so revolutionary.
Organic Dependence and Disease: Their Origin and Significance.
By Dr. J. M. Clarke. Pp. 113. (New Haven: Yale University Press; London: Oxford University Press, 1921.) 12s. 6d. net.
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Organic Dependence and Disease: Their Origin and Significance . Nature 109, 708 (1922). https://doi.org/10.1038/109708a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/109708a0