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is adapted to the reading ability of an average intelligent layman. 

 Behavior, instinct, and learning are the subjects of some of the 

 most interesting chapters in Part 1. The second part is no less 

 interesting for such timely topics as the biological aspects of gov- 

 ernment, war, and religion are developed. The long list of readers 

 and commentators are high in praise of Needham's eflforts. Few 

 readers, however, have attempted to appraise the pedagogical value 

 of this volume. Briefly, as one teacher to another, let me say that 

 the author approaches his subject from the teacher's point of view. 

 His story is told in a vein that makes it simple, interesting, and 

 often amusing. It is these characteristics that make many of the 

 topics models for teaching simple biological concepts to the non- 

 too-willing learner we meet in our schools today. The author 

 chooses from the known and non-technical subjects the facts best 

 suited to illustrate his point. The diagrams of Dr. Sargent are of 

 great simplicity and in two or three cases their purpose is not very 

 clear to the reviewer, except perhaps to heighten the basic nature 

 of the story. 



The author at times seems to find it necessary to remind his 

 reader that "About Ourselves" deals with man in his zoological 

 aspects. For in such chapters as "Behavior," and "Learning" little 

 is said about man. The chapter, "Nature and Nurture," is interest- 

 ing and should serve as a review to all those who teach and find 

 little time for reading or experimenting. Here they will find a 

 slightly dififerent outlook on the problems of heredity. Briefly 

 summarized in the author's inimitable way when he tells the story 

 of germ plasm and body plasm, "Hats change but noses go on 

 forever." In the chapter on the biological aspects of war there is 

 no outpouring of venom against the Axis powers but one finds 

 here an analysis of facts which lead to war and the contention that 

 war will be part of the untamed instincts and evil folkways of 

 Homo sapiens. 



"About Ourselves" is a book which should interest a wide 



group of readers, scientists, and especially teachers of biology as 



well as those who are concerned with our present-day problems of 



education. 



Michael Levine 



Laboratory Division 

 montefiore hospital 

 New York City 



