Abstract
THE author, in this little work, describes in simple terms the scientific aspect of certain vital phenomena. Written in pleasant style, it appears suitable for the layman of an inquiring turn of mind, who wishes to know something of vital mechanisms without the need of a knowledge of physiology. The work opens with a chapter on the thesis that there is nothing new under ¦ the sun, and shows how man's inventions have been anticipated in the mechanisms found in his own body. After a chapter on mechanisms of defence, the author describes certain tissues which are characterised by possessing a rhythmic activity, thus leading up to a discussion of sleep, which is termed “life's great rhythm”: stress is laid on the presence of fatigue products in the blood, a lessened blood supply to the brain, and a diminution in the number of sensory impressions reaching that organ. In the following chapter examples of “latent life,” taken from both the vegetable and animal kingdoms, are described: in the next, the rather uncommon subject of “coloured thinking” is dealt with; in these persons certain words or sounds are associated with certain colours, especially when a concept has to be visualised: the condition occurs in perfectly normal people and has no relation to visual hallucinations. The book closes with a plea for a greater recognition of the mutual influence of the mind and body upon each other, illustrated by the subject of faith-healing.
Life and Science.
Prof.
David Fraser
Harris
By. Pp. 204. (London: Andrew Melrose, Ltd., 1923.) 7s. 6d. net.
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Life and Science . Nature 115, 259 (1925). https://doi.org/10.1038/115259b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/115259b0