The prolongation of life : optimistic studies / by Elie Metchnikoff ; English translation edited by P. Chalmers Mitchell.

Author/creator Metchnikoff, Elie
Format Book
Publication InfoNew York : Putnam, 1908.
Descriptionxx, 343 pages : illustrations, portrait ; 24 cm
Subjects

Contents Pt. I. The investigation of old age. The problems of senility -- Theories of the causation of senility -- Mechanism of senility -- Pt. II. Longevity in the animal kingdom. Theories of longevity -- Longevity in the animal kingdom -- The digestive system and senility -- Microbes as the cause of senility. -- Duration of human life -- Pt. III. Investigations on natural death. Natural death amongst plants -- Natural death in the animal world -- Natural death amongst human beings -- Pt. IV. Should we try to prolong human life? The benefit to humanity -- Suggestions for the prolongation of life -- Diseases that shorten life -- Intestinal putrefaction shortens life -- Lactic acid as inhibiting intestinal putrefaction -- Pt. V. Psychical rudiments in man. Rudimentary organs in man -- Human traits of character inherited from apes -- Somnambulism and hysteria as mental relics --
Contents Pt. VI. Some points in the history of social animals. The individual and the race -- Insect societies -- Society and the individual in the human race -- Pt. VII. Pessimism and optimism. Prevalence of pessimism -- Analysis of pessimism -- Pessimism in its relation to health and age -- Pt. VIII. Goethe and Faust. Goethe's youth -- Goethe and optimism -- Goethe's old age -- Goethe and "Faust" -- The old age of Faust -- Pt. IX. Science and morality. Utilitarian and intuitive morality -- Morality and human nature -- Individualism -- Orthobiosis.
General noteTranslation of Essais optimistes.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references and index.
Acquisitions source Laupus- Robert W. Cihak History of Medicine Collection
LCCN 08012571

Availability

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Laupus History Collection Books - Does not circulate W M588P 1908 ✔ Available