Bones: The Unity of Form and Function

by R. McNeill Alexander and Alexander McNeill

Book Overview

Few creations of nature display the perfect unity of form and function found in the vertebrate skeleton. Ingeniously designed by the processes of evolution, bones are marvels of engineering. In tribute to both the beauty and mechanics of its subject, Bones explores the structure, material, and movement of bones. It examines the composition of bone material, looks at joints and muscle attachments that allow for movement-including such elaborate mechanisms...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0813338069
• ISBN13: 9780813338064
• Release Date: October 2000
• Publisher: Basic Books
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 2.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 9.9" x 11.0"

Customer Reviews

Bones: The unity of form and function

This is a great and informative book. I work in an orthopedic office and have received many favorable comments both from adults and children.

An insightful and beautiful survey of life itself.

Although my initial interest in this book stemmed from a pursuit of amatuer paleontology, I soon discovered that Dr. Alexander had written a very general and succinct discussion of how and why bones are as they are. His presentation ranges from most interesting mechanical considerations to those of esthetics. The very well written text is supported by beautiful photography -- who would have thought that 'bones' could be so interesting?My only regret is that I am reviewing a borrowed copy. Unfortunately, the book is out of print, and I cannot find even a used copy. I intend to contact the publisher and encourage a second printing.Meanwhile, check you library resources. This book is well worth reading and contemplating.G. Patrick Martin, Ph. D.