The Story of the Living Machine A Review of the Conclusions of Modern Biology in Regard to the Mechanism Which Controls the Phenomena of Living Activity   By: Herbert W. Conn (1859-)

"The Story of the Living Machine" by Herbert W. Conn offers readers a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration into the mechanisms that govern living activity. This seminal work in modern biology delves deep into the conclusions drawn by the author based on his extensive research and investigations.

Conn's writing style is clear, concise, and accessible, making complex biological concepts understandable to a wide range of readers. He begins by providing a historical overview of the development of the study of living activity, setting the stage for his own groundbreaking research. Throughout the book, Conn presents a wealth of evidence to support his conclusions, drawing from various experiments and scientific observations.

One of the book's key strengths lies in Conn's ability to relay complex scientific information in a manner that is both engaging and informative. He skillfully weaves together theories, empirical evidence, and historical context to build a compelling case for his conclusions. Conn's passion for the subject matter is evident, and his enthusiasm is infectious, drawing readers in and keeping them engaged throughout.

Another notable aspect of the book is Conn's ability to challenge existing scientific dogmas, presenting alternative explanations and hypotheses that could potentially reshape our understanding of living activity. His courage to question established theories and propose new ideas is refreshing, driving readers to reevaluate their own assumptions and expand their scientific horizons.

While the book is undoubtedly a seminal work, it should be noted that "The Story of the Living Machine" is not a light read. The material presented can be dense and demanding, requiring readers to have some foundational knowledge of biology. However, Conn's writing style and the logical flow of the book make it accessible even to those with a limited scientific background.

In conclusion, "The Story of the Living Machine" is a remarkable contribution to the field of biology. Herbert W. Conn's meticulous research and compelling arguments make this book a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the mechanisms behind living activity. Though challenging at times, the rewards of reading this seminal work are immense, as it provokes new perspectives and expands our understanding of the intricate world of biology.

First Page:

That the living body is a machine is a statement that is frequently made without any very accurate idea as to what it means. On the one hand it is made with a belief that a strict comparison can be made between the body and an ordinary, artificial machine, and that living beings are thus reduced to simple mechanisms; on the other hand it is made loosely, without any special thought as to its significance, and certainly with no conception that it reduces life to a mechanism. The conclusion that the living body is a machine, involving as it does a mechanical conception of life, is one of most extreme philosophical importance, and no one interested in the philosophical conception of nature can fail to have an interest in this problem of the strict accuracy of the statement that the body is a machine. Doubtless the complete story of the living machine can not yet be told; but the studies of the last fifty years have brought us so far along the road toward its completion that a review of the progress made and a glance at the yet unexplored realms and unanswered questions will be profitable... Continue reading book >>