Germs, genes & civilization : how epidemics shaped who we are today / David P. Clark.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Clark, David P.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Diseases and history.

Epidemics.

Civilization.

Human evolution.

Human genetics.

Disease Outbreaks--history.

Biological Evolution.

Medical Subjects:

Disease Outbreaks--history.

Biological Evolution.

Civilization.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xix, 283 p. )

Edition:

1st edition

Other Title:

Germs, genes, and civilization

Place of Publication:

Upper Saddle River, N.J. : FT Press, c2010.

System Details:

text file

Summary:

"Clear, thoughtful, and thought-provoking, Germs, Genes & Civilization makes the case that infectious diseases have played a major role in shaping society. Clark argues that religion, morals, and even democracy have all been influenced by the smallest and most dangerous organisms on our planet. While you may not accept every argument, you will be stimulated, entertained, and enlightened."---Samuel L. Stanley, Jr., M.D., President, Stony Brook University, and former Director of the Midwest Regional Center for Excellence in Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research --

Contents:

Introduction : our debt to disease

Where did our diseases come from?

Transmission, overcrowding, and virulence

Water, sewers, and empires

Meat and vegetables

Pestilence and warfare

Venereal disease and sexual behavior

Religion and tradition : health below or heaven above?

Manpower and slavery

Urbanization and democracy

Emerging diseases and the future.

Notes:

Description based on print version record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 257-263) and index.

OCLC:

606569064