
The Guts of the Matter
A Global History of Human Waste and Infectious Intestinal Disease
- English
- PDF
- Available on iOS & Android
The Guts of the Matter
A Global History of Human Waste and Infectious Intestinal Disease
About this book
The Guts of the Matter is a study of our oldest ecological problem: the transmission of infectious intestinal disease from human waste. Spanning the early hominin era to the present, this book explores the evolution of human waste disposal practices, the use of faeces and urine as fertilizer, and the changing patterns of transmission of intestinal pathogens and parasites. Chapters trace the spread of viral, bacterial, and helminthic infections through the early processes of globalization and track the uneven successes of the sanitation revolution in recent centuries. The book also provides an overview of the cultural practices that influence the transmission of infectious intestinal disease and the impacts of biomedical advances such as oral rehydration therapy and vaccination. Webb's impressive breadth and meticulous research is invaluable for students of public health, environmental history, global history, and medicine.
Frequently asked questions
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.4M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app.
Information
Table of contents
- Cover
- Half-title page
- Series page
- Title page
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- List of Figures
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- 1 Pathogens and Parasites
- 2 Early Change
- 3 Diffusion and Amplification
- 4 Innovations
- 5 Adoptions and Adaptations
- 6 The Struggle against Hookworm Disease
- 7 An Era of Optimism
- 8 Global Health and Infectious Intestinal Disease
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Index