I think that Steven Vogel must have been a quirky character and this book is impressive evidence of a scientific curiosity influenced by that quirkiness, as he explores the biomechanics of the common organisms around us. We see them every day, we watch how they take their place in the world, yet seldom (I suspect) ponder how it all happens.
The laws of physics and mathematics dictate the order of the universe, and all the living things therein from the simple to the complex, are governed by those immutable laws. Gravity affects everything! The properties of air and water influence action and reaction.
If you are now feeling daunted by the thought of physics and higher math set your fears aside. The book is aimed at the non specialist and Vogel provides refresher sections to bring you up to speed. It is a very long time since I studied physics, and a bit of a refresher in algebra didn't do any harm, but I had no difficulty at all reading the book at a lively pace.
Many very appealing and illustrative illustrations complement the text.
I am almost ashamed to reflect on the number of times I have examined Caddisfly larvae, and viewed them only from the standpoint of their protective housing, or as food for American Dippers, without probing further. Thank you Steven Vogel for pushing me along!
This is a book to answer questions you didn't even think to ask, and you will experience a whole series of "aha" moments as you plough through it.
Rob Dunn furnishes a highly engaging foreword which sets you up for what is to follow, imparting before you even read Vogel's first word, that you are in for a journey of discovery.
You will have so many esoteric anecdotes for your next cocktail party, that alone makes it worthwhile! After all, who doesn't want to know why a fish swims with greater ease than a duck can paddle?
And you will know the answer!
Life's Devices: The Physical World of Animals and Plants - Princeton University Press
Steven Vogel
Paperback - US$21.95 - ISBN: 9780691270586
384 pages - 5.5 x 8.5 inches (13.75 x 21.25 cm)
Publishing date: 27 May, 2025
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I was absolutely terrible at algebra :-// usually just managed to pass the exams..so this might not be something I would be interested in reading...
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteVogel was certainly a prolific writer on his subject... I read The Life Of A Leaf several years back. I wouldn't say light reading, but definitely informative and enlightening. Not sure I'll be adding this one to the ever-growing list, though I appreciate, as always, your review! YAM xx
This one is not light reading either, YAM, but as you encapsulate it so well, “definitely informative and enlightening.”
DeleteI've recently taken a very modest interest in physics (basically reading questions and answers about it on Quorum.) How it all connects to biology would even be more interesting. I too would need to brush up on my algebra.
Delete...I say the buoyancy in the water allows the fish... It's wonderful what great books you keep discovering, dear David. Happy greetings to you. Enjoy the spring. A hug for you and best wishes to you both.
ReplyDelete...stay quirky!
ReplyDeleteI hated maths when I was in school, so this subject is not for me, David. Still, it is always exciting to read your book reviews.
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
It seems an enlightening book that Vogel wrote for non specialist readers.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a "must have" book.
ReplyDeleteI am another who was not a fan of math. I excelled in French, typing and so this book would not be up my alley. However, I really enjoy your posts and blog.
ReplyDeleteHello David :)
ReplyDeleteAs I think you already know my eyesight is not good, and I haven't been able to read a book in quite some time, more's the pity as
learning about the way living organisms function must be extremely interesting.
Enjoyable review David, and I'm glad you enjoyed S. Vogal's book.
Hugs and kisses
Sonjia
Thank you for yet another tempting review. Isn't appalling just how much we have to learn. Appalling and exciting simultaneously.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely need the physics piece dumbed down. Glad you enjoyed it;)
ReplyDeleteOhhhh, bueno, bueno, bueno. Dear friend and professor: i'm absolutely blown away here. Look, to be honest: if the book started talking about the laws of physics, the properties of air, and algebra, i'd already want to run in the opposite direction; i passed math by a miracle!
ReplyDeleteBut, what intrigues me is that it seems the author realized there are people like me, those of us who see a formula and think of satanic sacrifices
Well... maybe I'll consider it. I still don't know if i'll give it a go, but i'm no longer furiously ruling it out. Maybe, just maybe... this book will reconcile me with the dark side of science. 😅 😅😅
Have a grt wend!
Gros bisous.
You can do it! Même plus gros bisous.
DeleteIk denk dat dit een interessant boek is.
ReplyDeleteIk heb nooit wiskunde en algebra geleerd op school vroeger.
ik wens je een goed weekend David.
Groetjes Irma
It sounds interesting. Gravity is an interesting thing for sure!! I would need to brush on my algebra too. I wasn't too bad with Maths at school. Terrible at spelling though haha!
ReplyDeleteThanks for pointing out my spelling error on the Whelk comment, updated and gave you a thanks :-D I have heard a lot of people saything they are tasty.
A "difficult" book perhaps, but it seems worth the efforts ;)
ReplyDeleteGreetings Lasse
P.S Thanks for commenting on my blog and I sure would like to go to Ontario for the balded eagle ;)
Interesting to see physics relationship to biology. Probably not light reading.I had to be tutored in algebra but once I understood it was easy. I blame it on the teacher.
ReplyDeleteUn libro muy interesante, gracias por apuntarnos su existencia.
ReplyDeleteMuchos besos.
Thank you for another wonderful review. You are so good at explaining exactly what the book is about. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteCuriosity is a very good trait to have, especially when what one learns can be shared with interested others.
ReplyDeleteYou and Miriam have a grand weekend, filled with plenty of bird sightings.
ReplyDeleteI like your book review!So much still to learn😊
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your review.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Kiitos kirjaesittelystä David.
ReplyDeleteA new niche - applied biodynamics.
ReplyDeleteThank you for another super book review David. I am back from my blog break and will have my first blog post about my family’s visit tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a really nice book. I'm not a physics person but I'd give it a try, I'm sold!
ReplyDeleteCaddisfly! I know that creature and have photographed them in their rock casings and as they crawl around in our creek. I finally got a photo of one emerged in 2020. I studied many creek creatures that year!
ReplyDeleteIf sounds really interesting. If only they would bring out a version suitable for children, I could probably understand it!
ReplyDeleteI’m half joking, but I have seen some fabulous non-fiction books for children. Sometimes I get used ones, free or cheap, and enjoy them before I put them in the little free library.
Otro libro interesante. Gracias y besos.
ReplyDeleteHi David - and another ... as I pass by. I do spot some posts on this subject ... and briefly ponder - my physics doesn't stretch that far ... but a ponder is a good thought and I'd love to understand more - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteJust seeing those formulas makes me shrink away, David. Both math and physics aren't my forte when it is more profound than just the basics. So this book most probably will not find a spot on my ever growing list - which is almost a relief, because I have no idea how to tackle all those wonderful book inspiration I found here on your blog. Big hugs - Carola
ReplyDelete