Preface 



Since general education calls for a fulfilment of the aim of teaching 

 students how to think as well as ivhat to think, it would appear that read- 

 ing material designed to stimulate and develop the thought processes is 

 important and necessary. Primarily this volume is intended to be read in 

 conjunction with a textbook, and used in this way, it should accomplish 

 much in achieving the goals of a basic biology course. In certain situa- 

 tions, however, instructors may desire to use this book independently as 

 background for a lecture or laboratory course. 



The book follows a general plan, but the instructor may not choose 

 to assign the readings in consecutive order. It is organized to start with 

 material on life and the cell and then follow a general scheme of watching 

 the green plant make organic food, of animal nutrition, circulation, and 

 so on. Finally, there are several articles of a philosophical nature which, 

 for the most part, seem to integrate the various divisions of biological 

 study. 



It will be evident to the instructor that an attempt has been made to 

 focus on articles that are readable and inspiring rather than those of a 

 classic nature. This idea is in accord with the fast, modern tempo of 

 teaching. When once the student has developed a firm interest in the 

 science, he will wish to examine the classic papers in detail. In reproduc- 

 ing the articles herein presented, a certain amount of abridgment was 

 thought to be desirable to enhance readabiHty. 



Many famous biologists have contributed to the development of this 

 book, and the warm thanks of the editor go to them as well as to the 

 various publishers who granted permission to reprint. The source of each 

 article and the author are indicated in a footnote on the first page of each 

 article. Short biographical sketches which give an idea of the caliber of 

 the individual contributors will be found at the end of the book. I am 

 grateful especially to Howard Rather, Dean of the Basic College of 

 Michigan State College for suggestions contained in the introduction and 

 to Dr. Chester A. Lawson, Head of the Department of Biological Sci- 

 ence, Michigan State College, for valuable criticisms on the selection of 

 articles destined for inclusion. 



I. W. K. 



vii 



