Anatomical Oddities

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Roberts . . . finds that our uniqueness is often more complicated and surprising than we could have imagined.”—Forbes Every part of the human body has a name—and story. But how familiar are you with your arachnoid mater or your Haversian canals? Image credit: Jacques Fabien Gautier D’Agoty. Paris, 1773. Colored mezzotint. National Library of Medicine)

Antikamnia Calendar 1889 - Skeleton Medical Decor Anatomical Home Decorating Weird Poster Funny Illustration Medical Poster t Wall Art Anatomical Oddities was a fascinating look at some of the history and names behind both obscure and well-known features found within the human body. The commentary and the art make for a unique tour through the anatomical landscape. As someone who taught Anatomy for over six years, the information was on point, and learning the meaning behind the words we use to describe the many features of our internal organs was one of the best aspects of this book. Image credit: Image Courtesy of the Alabama Museum of the Health Sciences, The University of Alabama at Birmingham)

An excellent point of entry for anyone who wants to understand the new deep human history and what it portends.”—Guardian

This book was both informative and amusing. The focus was on body parts and structures we seldom think of. Especially the artwork, both on the cover and between chapters of the book were illustrative, artistic, and often amusing. Throughout the book, the origins of anatomical words is spelled out in detail, with Greek, Latin, Proto-Indo-European, and a few others. The author makes comments about the words and what they mean, in the most amusing ways. This is certainly anything but a dry textbook of anatomy! The RRP is the suggested or Recommended Retail Price of a product, set by the publisher or manufacturer. In evolutionary terms, we harbor flaws because natural selection, the force that molds our genetically controlled traits, does not aim for perfection or endless good health. If a body plan allows individuals to survive long enough to reproduce (and, in humans and various other organisms, to raise their young), then that plan will be selected. That is, individuals robust enough to reproduce will pass their genes—and therefore their body design—to the next generation. Designs that seriously hamper survival in youth will be weeded out (selected against) because most affected individuals will die before having a chance to produce offspring. More important, anatomical and physiological quirks that become disabling only after someone has reproduced will spread. For example, if a body plan leads to total collapse at age 50 but does not interfere with earlier reproduction, the arrangement will get passed along despite the harmful consequences late in life.Gorgeous and full of wise quotes and stories that we would all do well to heed in today’s crazy world.”— Jim Al-Khalili A masterful account of why our bodies are the way they are. . . . Roberts's lightness of touch is joyous, and celebratory.”— Observer