ABOUT THIS BOOK | AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY | REVIEWS | TOC | REQUEST ACCESSIBLE FILE
ABOUT THIS BOOK
Our knowledge of breathing has shaped our social history and philosophical beliefs since prehistory. Breathing occupied a spiritual status for the ancients, while today it is central to the practice of many forms of meditation, like Yoga. Over time physicians, scientists, and engineers have pieced together the intricate biological mechanisms of breathing to devise ever more sophisticated devices to support and maintain breathing indefinitely, from iron lungs to the modern ventilator. Breathing supplementary oxygen has allowed us to conquer Everest, travel to the Moon, and dive to ever greater ocean depths. We all expect to breathe fresh and clean air, but with an increase in air pollution that expectation is no longer being met. Today, respiratory viruses like COVID-19 are causing disasters both human and economical on a global scale. This is the story of breathing—a tale relevant to everyone.
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Edgar Williams is professor of cardiopulmonary science at the University of South Wales, conducting research in respiratory and cardiovascular physiology. He is the author of Moon: Nature and Culture, also published by Reaktion Books.
REVIEWS
"An expansive piece of scholarship that explores the wild and often weird history of our most essential biological function."
— James Nestor, author of the New York Times-bestselling "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art"
"Eclectic. . . . Ambitious."
— Publishers Weekly
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents
Preface
One: The Breath of Life
Two: Early Beliefs
Three: Industry and Revolution
Four: Miasma and Bad Air
Five: Laboured Breathing
Six: Breathing High and Low
Seven: Breathing Fast and Slow: Breathe In, Breathe Out
Eight: Inspired Breathing
Nine: Last Gasp
References
Further Reading
Acknowledgements
Photo Acknowledgements
Index
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