Physics of the Body, 2nd Edition
Author: John Cameron et al.ISBN: 9780944838907 ISBN10: 0944838901
Published: 1999 | 394 pp | Hardcover
OUT OF PRINT
IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology | November/December 1999
IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology November/December 1999
"Physics has always been part of the underlying foundations of engineering. As young as the discipline of biomedical engineering might be, medical physics has long been recognized as an independent field of study. As the authors of Physics of the Body point out, one of the first books on this subject, Elements of Physics or Natural Philosophy: General and Medical by Neil Arnott, M.D., was published in London in 1827 and used up to the turn of the century.
"Physics of the Body, 2nd Edition looks at the various human physiological systems from a physical point of view. (Note that physics and physiology come from the same root-–the Greek word for nature.) Included are chapters that consider those systems of the human body based on electricity, sound, mechanics, pressure, energy, fluid flow, and light. Corresponding physiological aspects include the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, muscular-skeletal systems, as well as metabolism, kidney, speech, hearing, and vision. All-in-all, there is a fairly comprehensive array of subjects covered in this text.
"The material in this book is well-written and well-presented. The type is large and well-spaced, and there are numerous applicable illustrations. There is a selection of problems with answers and a general reference list for additional studies. The text is written on a fairly elementary level, with only algebra needed for comprehension. As such, it is probably not well-suited as a primary textbook or reference for biomedical engineering students. Instead, it would rather serve as an adjunct or a first look at physical principles applied to physiology. It would certainly be an appropriate textbook for students in some of the other allied medical professions such as respiratory therapy, physical therapy, or even nursing.
"There is one more use for this book that I would very much like to recommend. There are not many elementary texts on biomedical engineering. This book would make an excellent gift for a bright high school or college student who wants to know what biomedical engineering is all about. It could serve as an introduction to a rational understanding of the marvels of the human body. Students who have studied general physics could see direct applications to their own bodies. In just looking through this text, even the most sophisticated nonscientist would be awed by the capabilities of the human body."
Al Wald
The Center for Biomedical Engineering
Columbia University