
The Outer Reaches of Life
John R. Postgate(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Published on 28. September 1995
Book
Paperback/Softback
292 pages
978-0-521-55873-0 (ISBN)
Description
The invisible world of microbes - capable of surviving in the most harsh and inhospitable conditions on earth - reveals the remarkable potential and resilience of life itself. John Postgate's fascinating exploration of these outer reaches of life shows how understanding microbes can provide new clues to the origin and evolution of terrestrial life, and offers glimpses of how life might have established itself elsewhere in the universe. In the process, it raises profound questions about death, sensation and individuality, and insights into the nature of scientific progress. The feats of modern biotechnology are just one manifestation of the astonishing resources of microbes illuminated in John Postgate's lucid and intriguing account.
Reviews / Votes
'... master of the microbe world ... Postgate tells an extraordinary story.' The Guardian '... contains some superb expositions of basic scientific concepts.' The Times Literary Supplement 'Top class popular scientific writing.' Science and Public AffairsMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
18 Line drawings, unspecified
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
415 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-521-55873-0 (9780521558730)
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Schweitzer Classification
Content
1. Microbes and terrestrial life; 2. Some like it hot; 3. Cool, man, cool; 4. The big squeeze; 5. A salty tale; 6. Corrosive and slippery places; 7. Life without oxygen; 8. Living on minerals; 9. Exotic menus; 10. Of wraiths and ghosts; 11. The inertness of nitrogen; 12. Getting about; 13. Microsenses; 14. A private space; 15. Company; 16. Immortality and the Big Sleep; 17. Self-adjustment; 18. Life's outer reaches.