- 312 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
eBook - ePub
Rats, Lice and History
About this book
Rats, Lice and History by Hans Zinsser is a compelling and unique exploration of the profound, often underestimated, role of infectious diseases, particularly typhus, in shaping human civilisation. Written by a distinguished bacteriologist, this classic work transcends traditional historical narratives by placing the humble rat and its parasitic passenger, the louse, at the centre of momentous historical events.
Zinsser masterfully weaves together science, history, philosophy, and personal anecdote to demonstrate how epidemics have influenced wars, revolutions, and the rise and fall of empires. He argues that understanding the biology of disease vectors and pathogens is essential for a comprehensive understanding of human history. Far from a dry scientific text, Zinsser's witty and erudite prose makes this an engaging read that illuminates the hidden forces that have quietly but powerfully steered the course of human destiny. It's an essential read for anyone interested in the intersection of biology, public health, and history."
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Yes, you can access Rats, Lice and History by Hans Zinsser in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in Medicine & Forensic Medicine. We have over one million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.
Information
Table of contents
- Cover
- Title
- Dedication
- Preface
- Contents
- Half title
- I In the nature of an explanation and an apology
- II Being a discussion of the relationship between science and art
- III Leading up to the definition of bacteria and other parasites, and digressing briefly into the question of the origin of life
- IV On parasitism in general, and on the necessity of considering the changing nature of infectious diseases in the historical study of epidemics
- V Being a continuation of Chapter IV, but dealing more particularly with so-called new diseases and with some that have disappeared
- VI Diseases of the ancient world: a consideration of the epidemic diseases which afflicted the ancient world
- VII A continuation of the consideration of diseases of the ancients, with particular attention to epidemics and the fall of Rome
- VIII On the influence of epidemic diseases on political and military history, and on the relative unimportance of generals
- IX On the louse: we are now ready to consider the environment which has helped to form the character of our subject
- X More about the louse: the need for this chapter will be apparent to those who have entered into the spirit of this biography
- XI Much about rats—a little about mice
- XII We are at last arriving at the point at which we can approach the subject of this biography directly
- XIII In which we consider the birth, childhood, and adolescence of typhus
- XIV In which we follow the earliest epidemic exploits of our disease
- XV Young manhood: the period of early vigour and wild oats
- XVI Appraisal of a contemporary and prospects of future education and discipline