This published work is appropriate for all those who wish to properly understand the competing influences in Medicine and the Pharmaceutical Industries.
SYNOPSIS
Heckenlively and Mikovits have produced an excellent primer for anyone who seeks the truth of corruption in Big Pharma.
Dr. Judy Mikovits is an extraordinary polymath and an incredibly accomplished medical researcher. She made her mark in the scientific community with her findings that led to changes in the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection (HIV), and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Dr. Mikovits is a recognized leading scientist.
Problems began for Dr. Mikovits when she challenged the use of animal tissue in medical research that was producing diseases in their human patients.
Dr. Mikovits tells her story of almost 40 years of experience in the research science field. She describes her professional association over three decades with the one of the co-founders of the discipline of Human Retrovirology, Dr. F. Ruscetti.
CONCLUSION
It is a rare thing indeed for a doctor to endanger her integrity, professional standing, and reputation to champion a cause. Dr. Mikovits had much to lose and yet her morals demanded that she reveal the truth. I genuinely sympathize with her precarious position and admire her commitment to science.
This manuscript does possess its detractors, and I have seen some extreme reviews that based their views on partial information. In my opinion this was a book that was required to correct the current situation in Medicine and the Pharmaceutical Industries. I heartily recommend this work to you, if you are willing to suspend your disbelief.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My sincere thanks go to: Kent Heckenlively and Judy Mikovit (Authors), NetGalley, and the Publisher Skyhorse for affording me the opportunity to review Plague of Corruption.
Penny Cameron Le Couteur, Ph.D. & Jay Burreson, Ph.D.
Publisher
Jeremy P Tarcher; Reprint edition (May 24, 2004)
Format
Kindle, Paperback, Audiobook
Page
384
Language
English
ISBN #
10-1585423319 ISBN #-13 (978-1585423316)
“for this physicist, reading Napoleon’s Buttons was like being a kid accidentally locked overnight in a candy store. The treats? Lots of neat chemistry that I should have known but didn’t (having had awful college chemistry teachers), a whole bunch of entertaining anecdotes, and not a few breathtaking historical generalizations.”
David Goodstein, American Scientist
AUTHOR(S) BIOs
Dr. Penny Le Couteur, Ph.D., was born in New Zealand and attended the University of Auckland. She attained her Ph.D. from the University of California in Santa Barbara. Dr. Le Couteur has been teaching chemistry for over three decades. She was recognized as an outstanding educator of chemistry in Canadian Collages. She was formerly The Head of Capilano’s Chemistry Department as well as the chair of Pure and Applied Sciences.
Dr. Le Couteur currently works as an award-winning professor in the Dean of Arts and Sciences office at Capilano College, British Columbia, Canada. She currently resides in North Vancouver, Canada.
Doctor Jay Burreson, Ph.D., is the co-author of Napoleon’s Buttons: How Seventeen Molecules Changed History. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Hawaii. He worked as an Industrial Chemist for Mag Tech in Oregon, USA. Currently, he is a Fellow of Marine Natural Products at the University of Hawaii, USA.
WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE?
This title was initially intended for gifted students age 14-18 years old. Astonishingly, it has been favorably received by a considerably more diverse audience from children to adults. This scholarly work will appeal not only to those with an academic background, but also to those with little or no background in chemistry.
SYNOPSIS
Napoleon’s Buttons is a refreshing read that combines not one but two disciplines: organic chemistry and associated history. The book was authored with the intention of it being an introductory primer for students of organic chemistry with-in the age range of 14-18 years old. However, this text has proven to be a hit with adults as well.
The authors have taken the subjects of chemistry and history and melded them together to produce a compelling combination. The prose are skillfully written in a coherent and accessible style with plenty of illustrations, formulae, and comprehensive end of chapter summaries. In my humble opinion, these summaries are irreplaceable as they allow the reader to glean the bulk of the information in the chapter in a convenient bite-sized manner. The chapters cover various molecules, complete with a concise anecdotal historic context for each. They included isomers and chirality concepts in an intelligible manner for those unfamiliar with the terms.
Central to the success of this volume is the historic connections of the various interactions between historical influences, social and cultural pressures, and the political forces of the time. In the case of olive oil, all those factors were changed through the popularity of the resultant product.
THE PERIODIC TABLE
CONCLUSION
Pros
Students will find the script to be compelling reading on a number of levels. The formulae are aptly described and easy to understand. The context strengthened the subject considerably. The science described in this text is similar to The Scientific American and not as demanding as The New Scientist Magazine. The combination of story telling and the scientific underpinning makes this book a fascinating and engrossing read.
Cons
Although the title suggests that there are only 17 molecules discussed, there are more. In addition, I question why a glossary was not included in a text meant for teenagers. Although the first chapters provide a brief introduction to chemistry, I feel a more comprehensive introduction would have been helpful for all those who have no prior knowledge of the scientific discipline. This would be incredibly beneficial for those with little or no instruction in the use or knowledge of chemical formulae.
The Evolutionary Mechanism of Human Dysfunctional Behavior
Author
Ivan Fuchs
Publisher
Radius Book
Group (April 19, 2019)
Format
Kindle, Hardcover,
Audiobook
Page
604
Language
English
ISBN #10 /#13
9781635766011
/ 9781635766011
“This book is an attempt to explain some of the
phylogenetic mechanisms that brought about in humans the innate liability of
developing varied forms of dysfunctional or maladaptive behavior, the graver of
which are categorized as mental disorders.” The Evolutionary Mechanism of Human
Functional Behavior. (Fuchs, 2019, LOC 104).
Prescient
Please note, if you are not a psychiatric professional read the summary and then go to the Synopsis and take a look at the diagram I have provided for your understanding. If you are a mental heath professional please read on.
Author’s Bio
Dr. Ivan Fuchs is the author of The Evolutionary Mechanism of Human Dysfunctional Behavior. Dr. Fuchs retired after 3 decades of experience gained from working as a Practitioner of Clinical Psychiatry. Originally from Hungary, Dr. Fuchs emigrated to Israel early in his career where he currently resides today with his family.
“In my
opinion, these mechanisms, or more exactly, their extreme poles on a
diversified scale (as a result of relaxation of natural selective pressures),
constitute the inherited foundations of most common mental disorders.” (Fuchs,
2019, LOC 209).
Who
is the audience for this textbook?
Dr. Ivan
Fuchs forms a thesis in TheEvolutionary Mechanism of Human
Dysfunctional Behavior. Dr. Fuchs based his theory on his extensive
professional experience; principally psychiatry, knowledge of biology, genetics,
and primatology. Dr. Fuchs thesis is not peer reviewed or published in any
professional scientific journals. Dr. Fuchs expresses doubt that this
publication will have broad appeal and he believes that it will fall into a
narrow niche’ primarily for medical professionals. Those most likely to benefit
from reading Dr. Fuchs theory would be: Professional Mental Health Clinicians and
Researchers; Research Fellows, Students of Psychological Medicine; Researchers
of Psychiatric Medicine; Students of Psychiatry, and Clinical Psychiatrists
interested in this evolving subject.
Synopsis
Due to
the complexity of the Fuchs theory and the myriad of related co-dependencies, I
have chosen to focus on the key concepts of his treaty. I’ve done this in order
to minimize extraneous issues and to simplify the review to enhance
understanding for the reader.
In brief, the author of The Evolutionary Mechanism of Human Dysfunctional Behavior posits that there are two separate and distinct Natural Selection Pressures that have influenced human development over Phylogenetic Period. The Selective Pressures are the Active and Reactive Mechanisms of Mental Disorders.
Natural Selection Pressures
1. Active Mechanisms of Mental Disorders
Consisting of three key mechanisms; these are as follows:
Forces of Natural Selection
Intra-group Natural Selection Pressures (IGNSP’s)
Late Stage of Human Evolution; Post Agricultural Revolution 10,000 years ago.
2. Reactive Mechanisms of Mental Disorders
4. Relaxation from Natural Selective Pressures due to genetically diverse factors including but not exclusive to: Cross cultural breeding, advances in democracy, proliferation of technology, and interbreeding.
Dr Fuchs
volume does not contain any illustrations or models of his theory, so I have
created one here to aid the reader in understanding his central concept.
Geneticist
Theodosius Dobzhansky “It is possible and indeed probable, that occupational
differences between human populations usher in some correlated genetic
differences” (Dobzhansky, 1962, p. 250). And: “When the environment is highly
diversified, as it is in civilized societies, all these genotypes may find
suitable opportunities.” (Dobzhansky, 1962, p. 250).
Dr. Fuchs
proposes that the relaxation from Sexual Selection Pressures also have
influence vis-à-vis the “Good Genes Hypothesis: (Buss, 2008, pp. 190-191), as
well as “minor Marriage” custom of third-world cultures (Wilson, 1998, p. 175),
where decisions relating to marriage are not made by the couple, but controlled
by some authority figure often for the financial benefit of the bride’s family
in the form of a dowry. Dr. Fuchs observes that only humans and some primates
share aberrant behaviors and responses to Evolutionary Mechanisms. He also
postulates that over time incidences and varieties of mental health disorders
have increased in humanity arising from the Reactive Evolutionary Forces.
“To my knowledge no evidence exists that the human genome is changing in any overall direction. The big story in recent human evolution is not directional change, not natural selection at all, but homogenization through immigration and interbreeding. Its main consequence is the gradual erasure of previous racial differences. It also increases the range of individual variations within the population and across the entire species. Many more combinations of skin color, facial features, talents, and other traits influenced by genes, are new arising than ever existed before. Variance increases, the extremes are extended new forms of hereditary genius and pathology are more likely to arise.” (Wilson, 1998, pp. 271-273, emphasis added).
Conclusion
The Evolutionary Mechanism of Human Dysfunctional Behavior by Dr. Ivan Fuchs is likely to be best received by medical professionals. Due to a combination of the complexity and virgin science nature of the subject, there will likely be limited interest from the laity. The appeal could be increased through the utilization of diagrams, images, lists, tables, and chronology; as well as empirical evidence.
This book is based more on Dr. Fuchs opinion rather than on The Scientific Method. The complete lack of peer review papers, the absence of empirical and other supportive data impedes its worth. However, the theory is an interesting and challenging one. As with many books of its type it provides a very dry read. This dryness could be ameliorated through appropriate use of graphic enhancements. I also noticed a great deal of repetition within the text. The repetition Dr. Fuchs states is an aid to impress elements of his theory in the mind of the reader.
I found the scattered nature of the sections in this book added to the difficulty of understanding the underlying theory. There was a lack of flow that created confusion at times; not due to the subject matter or the jargon but arising out of the jumps across multiple chapters. I found run-on sentences and the generally poor use of punctuation and grammar impeded the enjoyment of reading. The combination of writing style, lack of infographics, and poor punctuation made this book a beast to read. Happily, these limitations are easily remedied with the aid of a competent editor. To the editor please include a glossary of medical terms for the uninitiated.
Summary
For the layperson, this book discusses the opinions of Dr. Fuchs. In short, the idea is that in the past humanity and some primates collaborated on the basis of natural selection. This natural selection changed across time from Active to a Relaxation of the forces (pressures) that had earlier shaped humanity. In the later stage (Relaxation Phase) the pressures changed by external factors such as technology and interbreeding. As a result, there is speculated to be an increase in the number and variations of mental health disorders. It is also expected that there will be an increase in the numbers of geniuses and other gifted humans. The concept is interesting and challenges traditional theories. If you are interested in this topic, I would wait for the illustrated and re-edited version.
Suggested
Reading
Bake, M.
(1998) Darwin’s Black Box: The biochemical challenge to evolution. New York:
Simon & Schuster.
Sadock’s
comprehensive textbook of psychiatry, 8th Ed., Col. 1 Philadelphia:
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
P. R
Adoriaens &A. De Black (eds.), Maladapting minds: Philosophy, psychiatry,
& Evolutionary theory. Oxford. OxfordUniversity Press.
Daly,
M., & Wilson, M. (1995) The Man Who Mistook his Wife For a Chattel.
Perry,
S. (2011). Manipulative monkeys: The capuchins of Lima’s Barbuda. Cambridge,
MA: Harvard University Press.
Acknowledgment
My sincere thanks go to: The Author, NetGalley, and the Publisher, for affording me the opportunity to review of The Evolutionary Mechanism of Human Dysfunctional Behavior.
This is Going to Hurt was written by Adam Kay. In this book he shares his personal anecdotes as a doctor working in the British National Health Service (NHS) during early 2000s. His recollections come from a diary he kept, detailing the ups and downs of life on the wards. Kay was inspired to write this book after a senior member of the government had made a claim that junior doctors, expecting to work less than 79 hours per week, were greedy. In This is Going to Hurt, Kay shows us the extremes of being a young doctor in the modern NHS.
Who is the Target
Audience?
This is Going to Hurt is suitable for all those interested professionals or amateurs who find the life of doctors to be scintillating reading. Kay doesn’t spare us the gritty facts of life of a junior doctor and later a Senior Registrar. In this book there are some really funny tales and some truly dreadful stories of life and death. If you enjoy blood and guts descriptions of desperately sad and appalling ends, then you may enjoy the wild ride hanging on the white coat tails of Dr. Kay. If you are British, you may also gain a greater appreciation for the young medics that you interact with during your health visits.
Synopsis
The most significant part of This is Going to Hurt is dedicated to the abuse and neglect that many doctors are exposed to working within the British NHS. Dr. Kay discloses the scarcity of essential amenities required for proper medical care in the NHS. He explains the long hours of unpaid work forced upon doctors. He describes the lack of sleep and the abandonment of family, friends, and holidays. Worst of all, he describes how the enumeration is woefully inadequate for the myriad of drawbacks. Ultimately, after long periods of neglect by his employers a life altering incident prompts a change in his thinking and eventually leads him on a new path.
Conclusion
Adam gives us a view of the true life of a doctor on the wards of a British NHS hospital. He reminds us that doctors are only human. They are not infallible; they need love, care, and respect as we all do. They have the failings we all share and he prompts us to realize that. Most of all he wants us to understand that neglecting those who care for us is dreadful and that we should value and cherish the sacrifices; social, financial and psychological that doctors working in the NHS endure to provide you with world class health service.
Acknowledgment
My sincere
thanks go to: NetGalley, and Picador for affording me the opportunity to
review This is Going to Hurt.
Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine by Mike K. S. Chan & Dmitry Klokol
Comprehensive review coming soon.
Title
Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Carpe Diem – Carpe Vitam!
Author
Mike K. S. Chan, Dmitry Klokol
Publisher
Matador (July 31, 2019)
Format
Kindle
Page
551
Language
English
ASIN #
B07VVL2MS7
Brief Synopsis
Quote: “The goal is to provide a once in a lifetime treatment to correct a specific medical deficit.”
Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine Carpe Diem-Carpe Vital! (July 31, 2019).
This is a seminal monograph on the subject of the therapeutic application and use of stem cells in “regenerative medicine.” The science described within the pages of this text may be leading edge, but Chan and Klokol have attempted to keep the information accessible to the average reader. However, in some parts the comprehension of the complex science may be challenging. Research scientists and students of medical research may gain the greatest benefits of this work.
The text guides you through the multiple applications of the utilization of Stem Cells and the medical illnesses that may be treated by the use of ‘Xenogeneic Cell Therapy.’ The authors posit the limitations and benefits of the scientific method as it relates explicitly to its use in human subjects. There is a brief description of xenotransplantation in the treatment of cells requiring regenerative assistance in a range of degenerative conditions through cross-species donated cells. Significant importance is placed in the use of cross-species hosts to be Scientific Pathogen Free Animals (SPF – Animals) through the use of ‘Closed Colony’ and proven clinical methods.
Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine describes the merits, the problemata, and the detailed methodologies of regenerative therapies. The book is replete with beautiful color illustrations that includes the Cell Cycle and the illustrations of the Noble Prize Winner, Günter Blobel, for Physiology or Medicine in 1999. His thesis is on how the distribution mechanism of biological active transport cells migrate, how proteins contain signals inside that direct their location in a destination cell, and how they are transported and where they may migrate to.
I found the Chronology of the development of stem cell research and application to be compelling reading.
Simply the most comprehensive book on the subject of Stem Cells as applied in ‘regenerative medicine,’ and most certainly the best illustrated. The illustrations combined with Chan and Klokol‘s vivid written communication provides you with an invaluable tool in comprehending the ground breaking subject of Stem Cell Therapy.
Thomas Morris was
a successful radio producer for the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) for many
years. He is now a freelance writer and medical historian. His first book,
The Matter of the Heart: A History of the Heart in Eleven Operations, wonthe Royal Society of
Literature and the Jerwood Charitable Foundation award. The award is one of
three annual awards, one of £10,000 and two of £5,000, offered to authors on
their first works of non-fiction. Mr. Morris now lives in London.
WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE?
This book is for
everyone 16 or older. The
Mystery of the Exploding Teeth is
written for the masses and not just for those who want to learn about historic
medicine. The book is full of individual cases hand-picked through time to
provide the reader with a glimpse of common medical procedures, some uncommon
medical procedures, and allot of very interesting cases.
SYNOPSIS
The Mystery of the Exploding Teeth:
And Other Curiosities from the History of Medicine, is a sojourn into some of the most interesting medical
cases and the procedures used in those cases. It is told through the eyes of
the people who were actually there. This book is a conglomeration of notes, letters,
personal views of the doctors, and sometimes the patients. The author does a
great job of finding the most interesting cases in history. There are some interesting
cases that include various items escaping the bodies from all different places,
some not very good places. How about the surgeries where the patient is not anesthetized and
is an active participant? There is a chapter of patients who survived extreme
injuries, some lived normal lives after their injuries.
CONCLUSION
After reading this book, I listened to the audible version and the narrator added so much more to the enjoyment. He does a great job with the inflection of his voice and the bits that are in French. The little jokes he throws in are awesome. This tome, at times, had me laughing, cringing, crying, and always wondering about the historic doctors and their sometime weird practices. The cases offer a wide variety of injuries and maladies; the causes of some of these will haunt me. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend.
SIMILAR WORKS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN
Dr. Mütter’s Marvels was established by Dr. Mütter who sadly died prematurely at the age of 48. He left behind an immense collection of medical oddities that form the basis of Philadelphia’s renowned Mütter Museum. Dr Mütter’s Marvel byCristin O’Keefe Aptowiczis an insight into the dedicated surgeon’s career as well as his life and times. Aptowicz presents her view on Dr. Mütter’s medical practices and the prejudices he witnessed. Aptowicz draws upon Mütter’s speeches and lectures which reveals his humanist based approach.
Mütter Museum: Historical Medical Photographs Is a cornucopia of high quality photographs taken by professional photographers. Between the 1860s and the 1940s, photographers took pictures of these oddities as records for physicians to share among medical colleagues. They also functioned, at the time, to demonstrate various techniques used in medicine such as micrography and X-ray. During the earliest days, they utilized the method of photography known as the daguerreotype. This processing method required the photographer to polish a sheet of copper plate with silver halide coated to a mirror finish, and treat it with fumes that made its surface light sensitive. There is much more to the Mütter Museum however, and it is not for the squeamish.
Competing in the age of AI by By Marco Iansiti & Karim R. Lakhani
Title
Competing in the age of AI
Author
Marco Iansiti & Karim R. Lakhani
Publisher
Harvard Business Review Press (January 7, 2020)
Format
Kindle, Hardcover
Page
288
Language
English
ASIN #
B07MWCTNSD
Author’s Bio
Marco Iansiti is a Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. His special expertise revolves around Technology and Operations Management. He advises Blue Chip companies globally on operational transition, and technological transformation for the 21st Century. Iansiti and Lakhani posit workable solutions and invaluable insights into the infinite utility of AI.
I studied Managerial Cybernetics, Systems Analysis, and Systems Development under the tutelage of Stafford Beer for both my B.Sc., and M.Sc. I am currently evaluating how the synthesis of a variety of recent technologies can be applied to extend the economic potential of large distributed networks and International organizations. Much of my work includes related issues raised in Competing in The Age of AI. My experience and my academic credentials, I believe afford me a unique perspective on this manuscript.
Iansiti is a prolific author of publications based on a particular area of expertise. Some of his works include: Digital Ubiquity, The Truth About Blockchain (Iansiti & Lakhani), The Keystone Advantage (Roy Levine), and Managing Our Hub Economy. Those looking for advice on establishing digital advantage or operational model transformation of a global organization need look no further than Competing in The Age of AI.
Karim R. Lakhani is a Business Administration Professor at Harvard Business School. Lakhani is the co-director of the Laboratory of Innovation Science at Harvard’s Institute of Quantitative Social Science, as well as the Chair of the Harvard Business School’s Analytics Program. His area of expertise is innovation and technology management. He is the author of numerous articles and case studies on technology, digital commerce, and digital innovation. He has been published in a myriad of significant publications that include: The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, and Business Week among many others.
Who is the target audience?
This is probably the most important book on business application of digital innovations this decade. This thesis is suitable for those who want or need to understand the potential for the increased span, scope, and scale afforded by the appropriate utilization of digital innovations, particularly artificial intelligence as applied to business models. Iansiti and Lakhani’s concept provides a most important tool for Captains of industry, investors, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and students of business and technology. Iansiti and Lakhani’s publication is a must read for all those who want to improve their understanding of the application of AI in organizations. Competing in the Age of AI should be compulsory reading for all those involved in leveraging competitive advantage in the new business world underpinned by artificial intelligence.
Synopsis
The discussions herein include the question of ethics in application and distribution of technology. Iansiti and Lakhani’s have provided a map for the exploitation of the technical advances provided by new technology. The authors have given practical advice on the strengths, limitations, and challenges of employing artificial intelligence to support and augment a company’s strategy.
Conclusion
Competing in The Age of AI is a seminal work, containing all the key ingredients for global companies to explore in order to improve competitive advantage. Iansiti and Lakhani have provided sensible, practical jargon-free explanations for the application of advanced technology strategies and advice on the potential effects on span, scope, and scale across the organization.
Acknowledgment
My sincere thanks go to: NetGalley, and Harvard Business Review Press for affording me the opportunity to review of Competing in the Age of AI.
The Mosquito: A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator
Author
Timothy C. Winegard
Publisher
Penguin Group Dutton, 1st Edition (August 6, 2019)
Format
Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook
Pages
496
Language
English
ISBN #
1524743410 (ISBN-13: 978-1524743413)
About the Author:
Dr. Timothy C. Winegard is a military historian who graduated from Oxford University with a PhD and is currently a professor of history and political science at Colorado Mesa University. He is best known for his works on military history however, he has written on the subject of indigenous studies. Before becoming a best-selling writer, Dr. Winegard worked as a military officer with his native Canadians and later the British forces. He is a sports fan and stalwart supporter of his favorite teams: the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Red Wings. Despite his busy schedule, the good doctor likes to spend his down time with his family at home.
Who is the target audience?
If you gravitate to the nonfiction, history, evolution, or similar shelves in your local bookshop, you may enjoy the exquisite prose and comprehensive research in The Mosquito: A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator.
What is this book about?
The story of The Mosquito spans thousands of years beginning with the evolution of the insect that plagues our lives to this day. Dr. Winegard’s writing style is reminiscent of Guns, Germs, and Steel or even a Simon Winchester. The focus of the book is the intimate relationship that mosquitos and humans have shared over time, and the impact on humanities antiquity and on its future. The book is abundant in superlative research and in witty humor. By the end of the book you will be in no doubt as to the destruction this tiny insect has wrought across the human world throughout history. You will learn a plethora of facts and information through a skillful scientific style of writing. Timothy gives you the big picture, a map of the problem that allows you to trace the changes to human existence shaped by the illnesses spread by one of our most dangerous predators.
Conclusion:
The Mosquito:A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator, By Timothy C. Winegard is a masterfully written book, being both fascinating and funny. Mosquito is jam packed with in-depth and informed research. It is epic in its breadth, and chronicled with skill. Ultimately, the book is infinitely entertaining, educational, and surprising at times. The book does prompt the thought that humanity believes itself to be top of the food chain, but are we really when such a tiny combatant can wreak such havoc?
Eugenia Loh-Gene Cheng is a British mathematician who specializes in a fringe area of mathematics referred to as Higher-Dimensional Category Theory. She is also known for her support of popular mathematics. Among her many publications are The Art of Logic and, my personal favorite, Beyond Infinity. Professor Cheng attended school at Roedean and is a graduate of The University of Cambridge with her Thesis: Higher-dimensional category theory: opetopic foundations (2002). She graduated with both a BA and a PhD.
Who is the target audience?
This book could appeal to anyone; perhaps with the exception of those traumatized by ill intentioned or professionally inept math teachers. Eugenia has taken the everyday practice of baking and uses it as frame to hang mathematical theories on, to make the mathematics more accessible to a wider audience, and to simplify the theory for the common man. These theories are not new concepts, however, they may be fresh concepts to you. It is a skillfully woven discourse with Category Theory at its heart. Of course there may be some people who will not understand the basic concepts, but I believe the majority of people who read this book will learn something that may benefit them.
In this book
Having read How to Bake Pi, I’ve noted the Professor is a skilled and gifted educator. She takes the art of teaching mathematics to a whole new level. Her ability to enlighten the audience is due in part to her: familiarity with her subject, and her varied methods to demystify the subject; while simultaneously encouraging an enthusiasm for math that most people never knew they had.
I enjoyed the humor and the lucidity of her delivery. The mathematical logic is there throughout the text, but it is softened through: clear, lucid, and work-a-day explanations that aid the reader in exploring the world of math.
Conclusion
I found this book to be engaging, warm, effusive, and fun. Ultimately, Eugenia has proven that it isn’t what you teach, but how you teach that makes the difference.
