Fine Wines and Fish Oil
The Life of Hugh MacDonald Sinclair
Published on 11. October 2001
Book
Hardback
358 pages
978-0-19-262927-2 (ISBN)
Description
The British scientist, Hugh Macdonald Sinclair (1910-1990), is best remembered for his belief that diets deficient in essential fatty acids are the cause of most degenerative illnesses, including coronary heart disease. Sinclair's forceful arguments on this matter preceded firm scientific evidence and were met with ridicule. Nonetheless, convinced he was right, Sinclair raged against the scientific establishment, and thereby cast himself into a professional wilderness. He emerged as a hero when research by others proved him right. Fine Wines and Fish Oil explores the facts behind Sinclair's rise and fall, and finds a complex story involving family life, personal ambition, and the schism between the academic pursuit of knowledge and the use of information for the public good. Much of the story is set against the events of the Second World War, and the struggle to feed people on limited rations as a means of sustaining both human health and the defence of the nation. The study of human nutrition during the twentieth century provides the thread that binds these events together.
Reviews / Votes
It is brilliantly written and manages the science, psychology and politics of Sinclair's life deftly. Tim Lang, Professor of Food Policy, Wolfson Institute of Health Sciences I recommend this book to those who are interested in the history of nutritional and biochemical research. In particular, those who are fascinated by vitamins and the essential nature of polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is richly documented with copious notes, memos, scientific and personal, and the index will certainly assist those who wish to re-read sections. European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology, 104More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Illustrations
5 halftones and 1 line drawing
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Weight
766 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-262927-2 (9780192629272)
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Schweitzer Classification
Content
Prologue; 1. The boy who bowed to the King; 2. Manners maketh the man; 3. Robert McCarrison and other influences; 4. Lady Place: progress, and a blunder; 5. War; 6. Hugh Smith and the Oxford Nutrition Survey; 7. The foundations of social medicine; 8. The Institute of Social Medicine; 9. Eskimos and nutrition at Oxford; 10. An end to the survey; 11. Brigadier Sinclair on the Continent; 12. Germany; 13. Finance and accommodation; 14. Nissen huts and honours received; 15. Reports on the Western Netherlands and dietary fat; 16. Biochemistry, Hans Krebs, and essential fatty acids; 17. Exchanges in the Lancet; 18. Plans for Nuneham Park; 19. Grand dreams and little money; 20. Life without mother; 21. Plans for an Institute of Human Nutrition; 22. Game to the last; Epilogue: Legacy of a phoenix; Chapter notes and sources; Reference books; Appendices; A. Selected publications of Hugh Macdonald Sinclair; B. General plan of research: diseases of the nervous system; C. Nutritional surveys of population groups; D. Deficiency of essential fatty acids and artherosclerosis, etc; E. 'Prologue': a soliloquy by H.M. Sinclair; Index