Microbes and Man

A popular account of the invisible world of microbes and their impact on mankind.

John Postgate (Author)

9780521665797, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 10 February 2000

388 pages, 43 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.2 cm, 0.49 kg

'This book is highly enjoyable, as it is readable, thought-provoking and at times quietly amusing.' Educational Media

Microbes are everywhere. Normally invisible, they are abundant in the air we breathe, in soil, in water, on our skin and hair, in our mouths and intestines, on and in the food we eat. They make the soil fertile; they clean up the environment; they change, often improve, our food; some protect us from less desirable microbes. Yet most people are scarcely aware that they exist - except when they become ill. Microbes, as 'germs', are widely regarded as nasty, unpopular because a few can cause disease and a few can spoil food. Yet collectively microbes present a fascinating world of miniscule creatures, who together encompass all the processes of which terrestrial life is capable: creatures who have profound effects on our lives and surroundings. In this up-dated edition, the extraordinary impact which the microbial community has on our everyday lives is described in an accessible and easy to read style.

Preface
1. Man and microbes
2. Microbiology
3. Microbes in society
4. Interlude: how to handle microbes
5. Microbes in nutrition
6. Microbes in production
7. Deterioration, decay and pollution
8. Disposal and cleaning-up
9. Second interlude: microbiologists and Man
10. Microbes in evolution
11. Microbes in the future.

Subject Areas: Microbiology [non-medical PSG]