Reviews (1)

Everything you need for RDMS and more
Lots of images, diagrams and to the point explanations. Can't beat the price! bargain ... Read more

Book Description

The Garden of Fertility is a guide to using fertility awareness-that is, reading fertility signals in order to prevent or achieve pregnancy. Certified fertility educator Katie Singer explains how to observe and chart fertility cycles to determine when a woman is most fertile to increase chances of conception, or to exercise birth control naturally-a method that, when followed precisely, is as effective as the Pill. Unlike other books on fertility awareness, The Garden of Fertility also describes how to use the charts to gauge gynecological health and offers nonmedical options for strengthening reproductive wellness. This book provides all the information women never learned in sex education class, but should have. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Goddesses, empower yourselves!
I remember when I first saw Hygieia. I was in an old rootsy health food store and I think there was some really groovy music playing on the stereo. My partner was taking a long time to pick out fruit and so I wandered into the "holistic health for women" section of the bookstand. I was immediatedly attracted to the cover of Jeannine Parvati Baker's herbal and as I flipped through it, I knew I had to have it....the beauty upon each page in art and in word resonated deep in an inner place within my soul and I felt I needed to sit many hours by the fireside and absorb the wisdom of this incredibly feminine herbal. Now that I have a copy of Hygeiea, I carry it with me on long journeys and I reference it often. I enjoy the fresh perspective on feminism ....I appreciate Jeannine's efforts to empower women to take care of our reproductive health in a way that is connecteed to Earth wisdom and sages of old. Jeannine Parvati Baker, in her book Hygieia, encourages women of all ages to fully embrace each cycle of womanhood from puberty to motherhood to menopause and beyond in a beautiful way. Truly the book Hygieia is a rare gem, a true blessing to the aspiring wise woman(or man!!)

Hygieia: A Woman;s Herbal
As a librarian with over fifteen years experience, I have reviewed and read reviews, browsed and selected thousands of books. With this in mind, I can attest to you that Hygieia is a unique, wise and beautiful book. It is one of those rare books that is a treasure to hold and behold, as well as, to read and savour. Many moons ago, I became acquainted with Jeannine Parvati Baker's work from her book, Prenatal Yoga (which I also highly recommend). From that, I learned about Hygieia and I loved every page of it.

Hygieia imparts the knowledge and wisdom of herbals for the needs of women. Letters from women, dream interpretations only add to the delight of this wise-women book. It is easy to use, with an organized format and thorough index, but also a pleasure to simply browse. I find myself returning to this book often as it is in invaluable tool for women at any age or stage in their life. Even though I share most of my day, every day, with books and purchased this book for our collection at the library, it is truly such an outstanding book in both wisdom and beauty that I had to buy my own copy!

Manual for truly living in the Feminine
I first received this book as a gift in the early 80's from a wonderful free spirit living on the beach. I was so attracted to this wild woman who seemed to be the exact opposite of all that culture expected me to be. I remember sitting in the beach over several days reading it cover to cover... it was as if I was spending my days with an old friend. I could feel something within my deepest being becoming awake, aware... My intuition told me to hold fast to my copy which I read many times over the years. I fell in love with being a woman and having the power to control my own health, energy and vitality. Visually, this is a stunning book with artwork and graphics, borders and creative usage of fonts that make the reader feel as though she has stumbled upon a written treasure, secret knowledge gathered over the course of hundreds of years - passed down for hundreds more. I have used herbs my entire life and I've come to realize that herbs are not to be used for specific "treatments" but rather for whole living.

Much more than just a herbal guide, this books shows how to tap into the strength, intuitive wisdom, self-mastery, and sheer life force of every woman and it provides the key to self-knowledge and wholeness. I feel this book is very intimately written and that it truly speaks to a woman's soul, awakening her own inner healing spirit. So many women I have given this book over the years have thanked me time and again for giving them the book that changed the course of their lives. Jeannine Parvati-Baker is truly a Goddess of our time. Her life's work has been a testament to preserving all that IS our birthright as women, the power to heal - our bodies, our families, our planet. She is a feminist in the truest sense of the word and allows us to be strong in our woman power without tearing down the power of our male partners...

This is truly a profound, powerful, and moving book which provides hope for celebration as we turn to embrace a lost aspect of ourselves.... A MUST for every woman and the men who long to know her.

Fills a void on herbal healing....
When HYGIEIA-A WOMAN'S HERBAL by Jeannine Parvati was first published in July 1978, it filled a void. Much of what she had to say needed to be said. If you're interested in historical artifacts (how dumb we were), this book is a good read. I believe much of Parvati's text will interest most contemporary women-at least women who have difficult questions and want to know more about the female body. Two decades ago, many of us fit that description as most medical research was conducted with male subjects. Most of what affected the female body was not discussed in public or even in books. In spite of their notoriety, Master's and Johnson didn't cover this stuff and I doubt Dr. Ruth did either. Imagine your deepest secrets about your body, those things you might not be able to discuss with your best girl friend without difficulty. Well, Parvati is the girlfriend you never had.

Much of Parvati's material is geared to younger woman-probably because she was younger when she wrote the book and authors tend to write about their experience, but she does have some good stuff on menopause. Given the outpouring of books on the topic of herbal healing in recent years, you might wonder what this book covers not found in other herbal volumes, and the answer is plenty. Parvati's book is about herb uses and the reproductive organs of the female body. Parvati organizes the herbs by topics, covering subjects such as aphrodisiacs to whet the sexual appetite, as well as herbs to improve fertility, assist with birth control, boost lactation, ease menstruation, et cetera. She has lots of graphic illustrations and pictures (naked bodies) and discusses herbal applications you probably won't find discussed anywhere else.

Parvati is Native American with a few other good qualities thrown in such as six children conceived and delivered a la natural. This is a book for liberated women (and men) or those who want to be.

Hygieia: A Woman's Herbal
If I could turn back time, I would have read this book in my pre-teens. Then my forties would be much simpler had I been living in harmony with my body all of these years. Jeannine has something for everyone, no matter what your age, it's never too late or too soon to begin taking care of yourself in the most natural way possible. Her intuitive finesse combined with her extensive experience as an herbalist and midwife is very comforting and respectfully given to the reader. Her delightful wit along with her indisputable wisdom uses time-tested ancient tools to create realistic ways to celebrate ALL the phases of being a woman. She wakes us up to possibilites we may never have found on our own regarding contraception, pregnancy, childbirth, sterilty, birth control and even aphrodisiacs! Her insight to these matters is often surprisingly simple and spiritually sane as she tells us that "good gynecological health is contingent upon general good health". I especially appreciate the knowledge shared by the Native American traditions to well-woman care. Thank you, Jeanine for being "lovingly real" and oh, so spontaneous in your delivery of this precious and beautiful book! ... Read more

Book Description

Offers extensive discussions on the pharmacological, environmental, endocrinological, and natural factors that alter reproductive or developmental processes;elucidating the effects of toxicants on mechanisms of reproduction.Describes biological actions common to both genders as well as gender-specific processes. ... Read more

Book Description

Expanded and updated, the new edition of the bestselling Clinical Protocols in Obstetrics and Gynecology is the definitive quick-reference for use in office practice and hospital settings. With information drawn from ACOG technical bulletins, OB/GYN publications, articles, textbooks, computer sources, and the author's vast personal experience, outlines of more than 400 clinical protocols help ensure that everyone on the team is on the same page. Flowcharts and algorithms make common problems seem simpler. Tables and decision trees make the information easy to refer to when running from room to room during a busy day in the office or hospital. This complete, up-to-date coverage makes Clinical Protocols in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition the best available study guide for board certification and a complete reference for busy obstetricians and gynecologists. ... Read more

Book Description

This landmark two-volume work provides an unprecedented surveyof the entire field of reproductive medicine. The volumes arebeautifully designed, with richly detailed full-color illustrationsthroughout, and organized for ease of use and practical reference. Thetext is divided into three sections. The first provides a comprehensivereview of the ontogeny and function of the reproductive axis and itsnormal embryology and physiology. The second section is astate-of-the-art review of the diagnosis and management of disorders ofthe reproductive axis, including disorders of sexual differentiation,disorders of puberty, disorders of the hypothalamic pulse generator,disorders of the pituitary gonadotroph, disorders of the ovarianfollicle, end organ pathology, and hyperprolactinemic disorders. Thissection also includes detailed discussions of hormonal contraception,endocrine disorders during pregnancy, and the climacteric. The finalsection reviews all known factors responsible for infertility anddescribes current approaches to its diagnosis and management. ... Read more

Book Description

For more than 25 years, Reproductive Endocrinology has stood as the premier reference on the functions and disorders of human reproduction. Now a New Edition returns with all of its traditional strengths—coupled with the very latest information! Updated throughout, the 5th Edition features the work of new editors Jerry Strauss, MD, and Robert Barbieri, MD—leaders in the field of reproductive endocrinology. Together, with a team of internationally recognized experts, they explore what readers need to know to successfully diagnose and manage virtually every reproductive endocrine disorder.

NEW TO THIS EDITION

Includes 13 totally new chapters that cover today’s hottest topics. Features 24 chapters with new topics or new authors that explore topics shaping today's practice. Covers the full spectrum of reproductive pathophysiology and disorders, from pregnancy and birth to reproductive aging Offers a new section on reproductive technologies that emphasizes the advancements in reproductive technology, including in vitro fertilization * intracytoplasmic sperm injection * genetic techniques that are applied to gametes and embryos * new approaches to using recombinant gonadotropins to induce ovulation * and endocrinology of aging in females and males. Discusses hot topics such as the treatment of andrology, gamete biology relevant to assisted reproductive technology, the endocrinology of aging, and hormones and cancer. Features a reorganized and streamlined design for greater ease of use ... Read more

Reviews (48)

Agree with Suzanne, bot only on some things......
I believe Suzanne made a great point about about bioidentical hormones for symptom relief. Premarin may work for them, but by its very nature it just "sounds" like a bad idea....Now as for using bioidentical HRT for disease prevention, I think it is not a good idea to jump on that bandwagon until conclusive research says that it fulfills what synthetic HRT (Premarin) failed to do....

One point Suzanne makes in this book that I find a little worrisome is manipulating the hormone formulation to make sure that you're having periods, or rather periodic monthly bleeding in order to mimic the natural hormonal cycle of your premenopausal years. I guess that's accurate to want to do that rather than taking continuous HRT but I find it a little disturbing the thought of having a period into my 70s or 80s.

I'm also concerned about the recent research that has cast a dark shadow over HRT. Prempro carried risks of heart attack, stroke, blood clots, breast cancer, and dementia. Premarin carried the same risks for stroke and dementia. Putting these facts aside, I believe it is not the best idea to be touting yet another type of hormone therapy for prevention when the research to support its safety and efficacy is not comparable whatsoever. Bioidentical seems better, but there have been no randomzied controlled trials to prove it works for all of these diseases...

Also I think it's not good for women to believe that having premenopausal levels of hormones our entire lives will insure our longevity. I think the evidence is actually to the contrary: high estrogen levels seem good only as far as keeping our bones strong. Lifetime estrogen levels (ie age of menopause) seem unrelated to one's risk of heart disease. But women with naturally high levels of estrogen, even after menopause (yes the ovaries don't completely "quit" - they continue to produce small amounts of hormones), run higher lifetime risks of breast and uterine cancer. Also (and I read this is the Journals of Neurology and Neuroscience), some research is actually indicating that high levels of estrogen throughout life are associated with more cognitive deficits and Alzheimer's. One study showed that women with the highest natural levels of estrogen, whether postmenopausally or those who had the most menstruating years, had higher risks of dementia. Even more disturbing, hysterectomized rats given estradiol lost their abilities completely to learn new tasks. This information is line with the recent evidence showing that estrogen or estrogen/progestin ups the risk for dementia. So to say it's good for the brain is probably wrong. I realize Suzanne touts testosterone for healthy brain function, but it's far from proven; the same goes for estrogen. Again, I think we need to wait for the proof.....

I also am not buying into the idea that menopause takes away our beauty, vitality, and sexuality. I personally found sex better after the change - my kids were grown, I didn't have to worry about unplanned pregnancy. Also, and I think this is important - there IS good reason to believe that menopause is necessary for the survival of the species. If you think about it, there's good reason why 70-something-year-old women can't reporduce any longer. At that age, your health is more likly to be compromised due to aging(though not necessarily!) so the thought of having another baby would be bad for the baby, especially if the mother isn't well enough to care for it!! And since our children naturally spend the first 20+ years of life in or around the nest, it makes sense to me that menstruation ceases at an early enough age so that the mother would have enough healthy years remaining to raise the very last child she was capable of having (although most of us don't want any new babies at 50!! :)). But all in all, this seems the most plausible explanation as far as the life cycle goes and the posibble benefit of having menopause prgrammed in.

But back to the book, bioidentical HRT is a viable option for combating the symptoms of menopause and is more likely to agree with a woman's system as compared to the synthetics. But I don't believe there is any conclusive evidence whatsoever to show that they're better for us over the long haul. They might be, but it's imperative we wait for the proof, lest we repeat the mistakes of the last 30 years by giving women hormones preventively for life only to learn that they're dangerous.

Excellent Advice, Recommendations, and Solutions
There are many doctors in my family who have witnessed firsthand the disastrous effects of synthetic hormones, compared to the natural bioidentical hormones that are helping both men and women regain their youth, with a dramatic decrease in the symptoms of aging, along with the risks involved directly associated with synthetic hormone replacement.
I can only tell you that the research that went into this book brings outstanding recommendations to some of the country's best doctors who are leaders in this field, as well as places to contact if you are looking for further information to do more research on your own so you can make the most intelligent choice that will be best for you.
This is another review where I give 5 stars because it clearly brings solutions that will help people make the most informed choices, once they know about different options that are available. An excellent read, and HIGHLY recommended!

L I A R
Let's be truthful.
Why would I waste my time on this self-obsessed, soulless, & dishonest huckster? It's because of something she tried to get away with a few years ago. Do you know the prime ingredient in a successful magician's act? It's called misdirection. Ms. Somers was caught exiting the office of a plastic surgeon. Rather than being up-front & admitting to her desire to use "any means necessary" to beat nature's & gravity's affects upon the body, she concocts a story about breast cancer.
Yep, that's right. A "story". Pure fiction. Never was.
And to compound this folly, she said that she was treating herself with "natural remedies." Of course, she couldn't risk exposure by reputable physicians. And she had fellow huckster Larry King to help shovel this mess around.
Those in the know wondered how she would get out of this one.
It must be great having a team of writers in your employ (plus the ever-present doting/drooling Larry King), but she did it. It took a year or two, but very quietly, almost off-handedly, the story was out there that the "cancer" was gone.
Folks, this is a woman who will do anything to keep her face & name right at the top of everyone's B-list. Why be a party to it?

PS: Larry King need not reply.

Moviestar hocus-pocus
Bio-identical hormones! If I hear that one more time, I'm gonna scream.
Why do people believe this ex-moviestar but distrust their doctors?

Wow - You go Suzanne
I think this book is one of Suzanne's most helpful, recent contributions to society. My husband has been using thor-plex for a year or so now, and it has helped him tremendous with male issues. Boy did it help! Now, Suzanne has offered us ladies some help... I was given this book as a gift from one of my girlfriends who is an avid Amazon shopper. This is truly the gift that keeps on giving. You'll learn all about the hormones that control every activity in your body. Though I've started thor-plex along with my hubby, I plan to start on some of the ideas expressed in this wonderful work that Suzanne has given us. Thanks Suzanne and thanks Amazon! ... Read more

Book Description

Providing a clear understanding of infertility, this practical resource analyzes and describes the diagnoses and treatment of infertility - both male and female - with Chinese medicine. It includes Western medical information with explanations of physiology, reproductive biology, and modern infertility treatments to expand the understanding of patient options. Content discusses all aspects of achieving a successful pregnancy, including pre-conception care, conception, pregnancy and miscarriage, and modern medical treatments. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Thought police
Darwin operated in a thought world completely unacceptable to the "politically correct" speech/thought codes found on most college/university campuses today. If one subscribes to Darwinian or neo-Darwinian ideas, one has to wonder what new "great ideas" we are missing out on today, now that the politically correct thought police have taken over the media, education, and popular entertainment establishments--effictively suppressing the sort of thought that nurtured Darwin's "scientific" speculations.

True Darwinism
In the beginning of the book, you will find a sort of definition of Natural Selection, which is about all the space Darwin spends on formulating his hypothesis.

"Do the races or species of men, whichever term may be applied, encroach on and replace one another, so that some finally become extinct? We shall see that all these questions, as indeed is obvious in respect to most of them, must be answered in the affirmative, in the same manner as with the lower animals."

On about 15 occasions later in the book he writes about how this selective encroachment of human races occurs, most signicicantly when writing that:

"Extinction follows chiefly from the competition of tribe with tribe, and race with race. (.....) and when of two adjoining tribes one becomes less numerous and less powerful than the other, the contest is soon settled by war, slaughter, cannibalism, slavery, and absorption."

Racial and tribal genocide is the chief operator in shaping humans as they are today from an apelike progenitor, according to Darwin.

This work is not up to scratch compared to classics of biological science from the same timeperiod, such as Mendel's "Versuche". This work is more appropiately read together with Haecekel's "Natural Creation History" (Naturliche Schopfungsgeschichte), which Darwin profusely praises in the beginning of his book.

Both these works from Haeckel and Darwin carry decidedly racist and generally judgemental content. Generally judgemental in continuously talking about higher and lower in an expressely moral way. For instance Darwin finds it neccessary to assert what the highest state of morality is for a person, and elsewhere he urges people in any way "inferior" not to marry.

The science is shoddy, especially the formulation is seriously lacking. The moral judgementalism, which makes up a great deal of the book, is generally coarse and without significant emotion showing through.

War, slaughter, slavery, cannibalism and absorption.
1) The mechanism of natural selection among human beings:

"the races or species of men, whichever term may be applied, encroach on and replace one another, so that some finally become extinct"

2) The way natural selection operates:

"Extinction follows chiefly from the competition of tribe with tribe,and race with race. (...) when of two adjoining tribes one becomes less numerous and less powerful than the other, the contest is soon settled by war, slaughter, cannibalism, slavery, and absorption."

Make no mistake about it, all I did here was to distill the "formal" hypothesis from a book that's supposedly science. By the quotations above from this book, Darwin's version of Natural Selection theory stands or falls.

Excellent historical review
While I would never presume - as some reviewers might - to misstate what is said in this classic volume and then presume to suggest that "now you don't need to read the book," I will say that this is an excellent edition of a classic work. All who have any interest in the history of Darwinian evolution and particularly the historical views of the evolution of man will find this fascinating reading, particularly if the context can be juxtaposed with what has been discovered since Darwin's time. Of course, times have changed, our hopefully less euro-centric views have been altered and there has been considerable progress through the generations since the original publication by Darwin, and that makes the progress of human knowledge all the more fascinating, as well as the insight Darwin obviously possessed in his day. This one's a "must-read" for anyone interested in the history of science.

More than meets the highest standards.
How is it possible that anyone could be as ignorant as Rondeltap and give this great classic less than 5 stars? Given that it was written in the middle of the 19th Century, it more than meets the highest scientific standards of its time. Furthermore, except perhaps for Darwin's own Origin, it is arguably one of the most important works of its era. When we find that the writings of Marx, Kant and many other giants of that Century can no longer instruct us, we shall find this one still penetratingly relevant. ... Read more

Book Description

This practical guide facilitates a thorough dissection of the dog to learn basic mammalian structure and specific canine features. Emphasizing anatomical knowledge, each chapter presents self-contained guidance on the dissection of a specific body part, allowing the reader to perform these dissections in any sequence preferred. Descriptions are based on the dissection of embalmed, arterially injected adult dogs of mixed breeds, and the anatomical terms used in the book come from the Nomina Anatmica Veterinaria.

„h Content is organized by specific body part to give readers the ability to work in any sequence.
„h An introductory chapter explains commonly used terms in anatomy in great detail. It also discusses the moral implications of dissecting dogs for canine gross anatomy, as well as the procedures and guidelines used in dissection.
„h A list of figures and tables with page numbers is included in the front of the book.

A list of references is provided in the back of the book to provide opportunities for further study. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Learn from my mistake!
Trust me -- DO NOT attempt to dissect a dog without this book! When you're up to your elbows in half-digested Snausages and Milk Bones, you'll wish you had spent just a few minutes with this medical masterpiece. Woof! Good boy!

Nice companion for Miller's Anatomy of the Dog
Overall, I found this to be an excellent book for small animal (technically dog only) gross anatomy. I say small animal, but I find myself referring to this text even when studying large animal anatomy. Reason--I like how the text very clearly indicates proximal and distal muscle attachments for all major muscles and specific nervous and arterial supply to all major muscles.

The pictures and diagrams are decent, but all in black and white. I found it helpful to color in structures in the book as I dissected that specific part of the animal.

I didn't find the text as boring as other reviewers have. True, the subject matter is tedious, but this book gets right to the point. Paradoxally, that is also while I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5. A lot of the detail is missing. I suggest having a copy of Miller's Anatomy of the Dog to go with this dissection guide.

Highly recommended!

First Year Vet Student
This book has excellent pictures, but the text could cure insomnia. While its useful to have some guidelines as to where to cut when if this is your first time in anatomy lab, you might be better off letting your lab partners buy this one and getting a bigger and better reference book instead. I highly recommend the entertaining anatomy books from Sudz publishing by Chris Pasquini.

It's okay
This book has good information, however the diagrams get confusing, and I found myself flipping through numerous pages to find references to diagrams in the text.

easy layout
This book is really helpful in low to medium level of veterinary anatomy. It is easy for begniners to look and find, but professionals might want something else...
I still think it is a great book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Equine Breeding Management and Artificial Insemination
This book is a must for any owner or manager of an equine breeding facility. It is technical, but relatively easy to read and complete. Whether you're an expert whose been in the business for years or a novice just getting started, this is the primer you've been looking for. It's one you'll want to keep handy for looking up answers to new questions or reviewing the answers to your old ones. Kudos to the author for a job well done. It's worth noting that no matter what breed of horses you work with, you will still find this reference invaluable. ... Read more

Book Description

With the changing climate surrounding infertility services, we may soon find that infertility counseling is mandated by law or recommended by practice guidelines. Therefore, clinicians urgently need a comprehensive reference on infertility counseling. This softcover edition of Burns and Covington's comprehensive handbook was developed especially for physicians and mental health professionals. It represents a new kind of clinical textbook, necessitated by today's rapidly advancing reproductive technologies and by the complexity of issues facing infertile couples. The book contains nine multi-chapter sections that cover the psychological and medical aspects of infertility, assessment, treatment, counseling, third-party reproduction, alternative family building, post-infertility counseling, and the professional practice of infertility counseling. The editors and contributors all have extensive clinical, research, and educational experience in reproductive medicine and the psychological aspects of infertility. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Can't refer to a specialist? Use this book!
When managed care makes it impossible to refer a client to someone who specializes in infertility, here is the book that will make you feel confident about your work. And when you don't have time to read a whole book at once, here is the book that allows you to choose the chapters you need when you need them. The impressive array of interdisciplinary experts follow the same format in each chapter, making cross-references for the reader very easy. This book is truly comprehensive, including topics such as "Special Populations" and "Adoption after Infertility", along with the practical guidelines we all want but which are often lost amidst theory and statistics in other books. The appendices and resource section are especially impressive. There are questionnaires, guidelines, consent forms, and a record-keeping form. The resources section has over 20 pages ofdouble-column entries. The authors have organized a stunning amount of information in a way that is useful to clinicians new to infertility issues and to those with experience who want to learn more

An indispensible resource for infertility counselors.
Burns and Covington's book has been very helpful in my practice. "Seasoned" clinicians as well as practitioners with less experience working with infertile clients will find the information presented valuable. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The plans of Adolf Hitler and the German Nazis to create a Nordic "master race" are often looked upon as a horrific but fairly isolated effort. Less notice has historically been given to the American eugenics movement of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Although their methods were less violent, the methodology and rationalewhich the American eugenicists employed, as catalogued in Edwin Black's Against the Weak, were chilling nonetheless and, in fact, influential in the mindset of Hitler himself. Funded and supported by several well-known wealthy donors, including the Rockefeller and Carnegie families and Alexander Graham Bell, the eugenicists believed that the physically impaired and "feeble-minded" should be subject to forced sterilization in order to create a stronger species and incur less social spending. These "defective" humans generally ended up being poorer folks who were sometimes categorized as such after shockingly arbitrary or capricious means ! such as failing a quiz related to pop culture by not knowing where the Pierce Arrow was manufactured. The list of groups and agencies conducting eugenics research was long, from the U.S. Army and the Departments of Labor and Agriculture to organizations with names like the "American Breeders Association." Black's detailed research into the history of the American eugenics movement is admirably extensive, but it is in the association between the beliefs of some members of the American aristocracy and Hitler that the book becomes most chilling. Black goes on to trace the evolution of eugenic thinking as it evolves into what is now called genetics. And while modern thinkers have thankfully discarded the pseudo-science of eugenics, such controversial modern issues as human cloning make one wonder how our own era will be remembered a hundred years hence. --John Moe ... Read more

Reviews (10)

fascinating and important
This book is a fascinating account of the eugenics movement that flourished in the United States during the first third of the twentieth century. With the help of an international team of researchers the author details the movement's history: creation of the Eugenics Record Office in Cold Spring Harbor on Long Island; the leadership of poultry researcher Charles Davenport; extensive Harriman, Rockefeller, and Carnegie funding; state laws legalizing compulsory sterilization; widespread acceptance by college presidents, clergymen, mental health workers, school principals, and leading progressive thinkers such as Theodore Roosevelt, Margaret Sanger, and Woodrow Wilson; its validation by the United States Supreme Court in 1927 when it voted 8 to 1 to uphold the constitutionality of Virginia's eugenic sterilization law; and much, much more.

The book's most dramatic and controversial conclusion is that the American eugenics movement fueled the triumph of Nazism in Germany and thereby helped bring on the Holocaust. As Black writes in his Introduction, "the scientific rationales that drove killer doctors at Auschwitz were first concocted on Long Island at the Carnegie Institution's eugenic enterprise at Cold Spring Harbor." To his credit he provides a great deal of evidence to make his contention plausible, if not totally convincing.

The extremes to which the Nazis took their eugenics--euthansia killings of "unfit" Germans and the extermination of Jews, Gypsies, and others--gave eugenics a bad name from which it never recovered. This important book sheds much needed light on one of the darkest and most bizarre chapters of American history.

Charles Patterson, Ph.D., author of ETERNAL TREBLINKA: Our Treatment of Animals and the Holocaust

From Eugenics to Newgenics
You learn something new everyday, here in an important book: the history of the American eugenics movement and its influence on the perpetrators of the Nazi version leading to the Holocaust. Sanitized or amnesiac history has forgotten the details here, and they are grisly, the more so being American data of record, deep in the many archives the author and his team researched. The details include the involvement of many of the foundations, Carnegie, Rockerfeller, et. al. The eugenics era is routinely denounced, but the facts are diffused from discussion and this book is eminently worth reading carefully to see how it actually happened. The account has eye-popping details on every second page,viz. the actual episodes of tracking down hill billies for enforced sterilization. That's right, in the US of A.
The cheerleading of the Eugenics movement for the Nazis continued right up through the beginning of World War II in certain scientific journals. After that eugenics became genetics, and the author explores at the end the implications of all this as we enter the age of the genome under the banner of genetic fundamentalism.
I would get this book under your belt asap, and it is also an indirect contribution to the legacy of historical Mendelism/Darwinism/Social Darwinism as these generated the milieu for this phase of Americana Goes Haywire. It can happen here. So watch it.

Very BIG book on eugenics...dispassionate...
Maybe if this was the first book I had read on eugenics, I would have liked it better. There is no doubt that Black did his research...but much of this information had been given in a few books I prefer, including Daniel Kevles "In the Name of Eugenics," and in "The Mismeasure of Man" by Stephen Jay Gould. Part of what bothered me about Black's book is the title. As someone who is deaf and works in the bioethics/disability community, I was not crazy about perpetuating the idea that those of us with differences are 'weak'. I know that is what they thought back in the early 1900s, and they used much more derogatory terms like feeble-minded and idiots! But the word 'weak' is not one I want conveyed to others who read these books. It's great to have authors write with concern about eugenics raising it's ugly head again...even if they have no disability. However, there are many of us with differences who are working on our own to prevent another medical holocaust here...please do not perpetuate the image that those of us with disabilities need protection from the world. We will kick our own ass thank you!

The book was very repetitive of information I had garnered else where. Black provides very little new information in this huge, heavy tome. I think Black is trying to say that the U.S. needs to look at itself first, instead of getting on Germany's case about the Holocausts...because the U.S. provided the groundwork for the Nazis eradication programs of the disabled as well as the Jews and the Gypsies.

Black's writing in this book lacks passion. This is what gripped me in Gould's and Kevles' books...is they felt very strongly about statistics being used to label and denigrate people, and about our country's own holocausts. When writing a paper, social commentators need dispassion; in writing a book, passion should underline the stand the author takes. I don't see that here.

Black writes well...his book on "The Transfer Agreement" is spell-binding. This particular book lacks the emotion and yes, even the opinions, that drove that book.

Karen Sadler,
Science Education,
University of Pittsburgh

Chapters trace the roots of the movement to 1904
Edwin Black's War Against The Weak: Eugenics And America's Campaign To Create A Master Race is the story of eugenics and the American campaign to create a master race and is an exceptional history and offers insightful ethical considerations of the American eugenics movement. Chapters trace the roots of the movement to 1904, when a small group of scientists launched a new race-based concept, funded by American corporate institutes and foundations. Eugenics was even sanctioned by the Supreme Court and resulted in racist laws in over 27 states. This eye-opening social history belongs on the shelves of any college-level collection of American social issues and history.

I just finished the book...
...and have to say it was a GREAT READ! I'm going to keep this short, simple, and to the point; give this book a shot. I feel I've gained a very unique perspective of WWII and it's relationship to the US.

I was walking out of Barnes and Nobles only a week ago as my eyes grazed over the cover of the book on a shelf. Out of curiousity, I picked it up and was immediately engrossed by the first few pages. I venture to say any American would be, too. Edwin Black provides a clear, comprehensible history of not only eugenics, but the formation of modern genetics. You will uncover a largely untold piece of American history, as unbelievable and shocking as it may be. My friends wouldn't believe me when I shared the contents of this book with them; so I challenged them to read it. I finished it in under a week and am passing my copy along to them...I'm also taking the time to write this on Amazon...the book is that good. ... Read more

Book Description

An estimated 10 million American women have PCOS-polycystic ovary syndrome. Most of these women have never heard of the hormonal disorder, but are often painfully aware of its symptoms: irregular menstrual cycles, excess facial and body hair, weight gain, and adult acne. PCOS is also the leading cause of infertility. If left untreated, the condition carries long-term risks for endometrial cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. This book sheds light on this under-reported, under-diagnosed endocrine disorder. Topics covered include: Causes of PCOS, Overcoming the symptoms, Choosing a physician, Getting a diagnosis, Receiving the best medical treatment, Infertility and getting pregnant, and Coping with the emotional impact of PCOS. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Good Intro to PCOS
This was an easy read with good background info on PCOS. If you've already done alot of research, you won't find anything new here, but it is an extremely helpful book for the newly diagnosed or those who want general info regarding PCOS. Does have good info about PCOSA (support association).

Great for someone new to PCOS
I was recently diagnosed with PCOS and am glad I ordered this book. I'm sure it's not as indepth as others, but it is a great book to start off with if you are new to PCOS. It is very easy to read and easy to understand. It really helps you understand the symptoms of PCOS and the different ways they can be treated. After reading this book, I don't feel so overwhelmed with my condition and I feel like I am ready to move on to a more indepth book.

VERY easy to comprehend!!
I've recently been diagnosed with PCOS and I purchased every book I could find on the subject. This book, by far, was the easiest to comprehend. It puts things into laymans terms without all the techinal mumbo-jumbo. Not only does it cover the symptoms of PCOS, but it also explains WHY things happen the way they do. Above all else, it goes through the different options PCOS suffers have in fighting the disorder, and lists the pros and cons of each. This is certainly a book I would recommend for anyone diagnosed with PCOS or their family members to help them understand more about what is going on with your body.

Very good for newly diagnosed women
I really like this book, it is very easy to read and eventhough it isn't very long it tells you almost everything you need to know about PCOS. I bought this book along with "What to do when the doctor says it's PCOS" and the "PCOS diet book" and I feel like I know a lot more about my desease than I did before, it's a must have for women with PCOS.

A great place to start!
Best-Boss knows has done a good job of outlining the basics of PCOS. It is an easy read and a great introduction to living with PCOS. So often women tell me that their doctors give them a diagnosis and send them on their way without any answers. This book should be required reading for all endocrinologists and GYNs. Perhaps then they would understand that PCOS is a complicated syndrome that is so much more than what we weigh or whether we can get pregnant on demand. Best-Boss offers a soothing explanation that can help diffuse the panic so many women feel when they first learn that they have PCOS. Read this book, then send a copy to your doctor! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An excellent reference book for the aspiring gynaecologist
This is a must reference book for any aspiring gynaecological surgeon. The step-by-step guide in the various operative technique are clear and easy to follow. The diagrams have been superbly drawn to add clarity to each of the steps. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Yesterday's science fiction is today's litigation, and nobody knows that better than Lori B. Andrews, an attorney specializing in genetic and reproductive technology. Her book The Clone Age is a personal look at the sweeping changes that have affected the way we think of making babies: in vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogate motherhood, and, of course, the very real prospect of human cloning. Andrews has advised physicians, legislatures, and various governments on the legal and ethical aspects of these technologies, defending the rights of prospective parents and donors and blazing trails through territory that was literally inaccessible just a few years ago. Imagine Solomon confronted with the dilemma of a child born to a surrogate mother from donated egg and sperm at the request of an infertile couple: Would she have five parents, two, or none? Andrews has confronted this and many other puzzlers, and her report from the front is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

While she has spent much of her career arguing for the use of IVF and other technology to further reproductive choices, she does favor regulation to curb the field's dark side, such as the thinly veiled racism of nouveau eugenicists who want to "boost" the gene pool with (mostly American and European) Nobel Prize-winners' sperm. She herself has drawn the line at human cloning, which she feels serves no useful purpose and is too easily abused to be allowed as a reproductive strategy. Whether this view will prevail, as so many of her others have, will be decided in time, as today's litigation becomes tomorrow's policy. --Rob Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A must-read for anyone who's ever been an embryo
Lori B. Andrews, the foremost expert on legal issues related to reproductive matters, has written what must be one of the most important books ever to address the fundamental building blocks of all human life.Anyone who cares deeply about any issue surrounding in vitro fertilization, cloning, sperm donors, the use of body tissue by science and the ethics related to these matter must read this book.In clear, exciting, entertaining and occasionally very humorous language, Andrews gives frightening details of the latest breakthroughs in research technology.Here's are just a few of the many provocative topics introduced:did you know that technology exists for harvesting eggs from human female fetuses? That it's technically possible to abort a girl child, but use it's eggs to create another human being at a later date?That sperm has been frequently 'harvested' from dead men?Or the fact that, although cloned animals often have severe defects, this procedure is being pushed forward in different places around the world?And government oversight of radical new reproductive technology is practically non-existent, while other medical procedures are always exposed to extreme scrutiny.Read this book!You'll never read another story about human reproduction or cloning the same way again.

superb
I think is one of the best b ooks (in the field) that I ever read.

(Howcould I get in touch with L.B.A?

Scarier than any horror movie!
Did you know that a doctor can take a sample of your tissues, isolate some factor and then SELL it to drug companies for big bucks without asking your permission or paying you a dime?

I didn't, until I read this book.

Whatabout the profits that gene researchers are making by patenting YOUR genes? Or about the undisclosed financial interest that regulators have inallowing such patents to proceed.

It's all in here and it makes for somevery scary reading.

While most of us weren't looking, that portion of themedical community motivated primarily by greed has ventured into some veryodd territory. The repercussions may make medicine even more expensive tothe consumer at the same time as it makes health insurance even moreunattainable.

In a world where medical mistakes already cost more liveseach year than Cancer or AIDS, we cannot afford to trust our doctors towatch out for our best interests.This book makes it painfully clear theextent to which profit, rather than care for patients drives genetic andreproductive medicine.

A MUST read.

a lot to think about
I have no medical or legal background, but consider myself to be quite well-read and thus to have a good basic understanding of med/legal issues. I found "The Clone Age" raised issues on nearly every page that Ihad not previously considered.These issues, I feel, are ones that now, orwill, impact myself, my community, my society.This book was veryenlightening of numerous issues that are my responsibility to consider,evaluate, judge.I think this book is very important reading forthoughtful people.

Not what I expected - too bad!
You might think that a law professor and female bioethicist would share some legal insights and be sympathetic to infertile women, but Prof. Andrews is neither. Did she right this book too fast for the money? To cashin on news about cloning? Appears so. She has nothing much to say. ... Read more