The Fire of Life

TLDR

The book opens with Lavoisier’s dictum that respiration is a kind of combustion, framing a synthesis of scientific information that tackles complex bioenergetics and even references Malthusian ideas on starvation. It is organized into six thematic parts covering bioenergetics, starvation, metabolism, and population dynamics. The topics are presented with clear, detailed explanations that demonstrate the author's thoroughness.

Abstract

Lavoisier's important dictum that respiration is a kind of combustion is quoted at the outset in this book. It becomes the basis for a magnificent synthesis of scientific information. The book consists of 6 parts entitled "The Evolution of Bioenergetics," "Total Starvation," "The Physical Aspect of Metabolism," "The Metabolism of the Starving Animal," "Food as Fuel," and "Food and Population." These subjects are discussed with admirable clarity and an abundance of accurate detail. The author does not evade the essential complexities of his material, and when mathematical treatment is necessary it is set forth explicitly and correctly. Two features of the book that make for lively reading may be noted. One is the repeated mention, in connection with the subject of starvation, of Malthus and "writers with a hate complex." Malthus pointed out some bitter facts of life, but whether the cruel words ascribed to him on page 330 were