Bones

August 1, 2020

Veteran orthopedic surgeon and UCLA professor Meals presents a brief but illuminating overview of all matters related to bones, whether human, animal, bird, or even dinosaur in origin. The first half of the book covers the biological and medical aspects of bones and skeletons, including chemical structure and the myriad ways bones are affected by disease and injury. Next, Meals traces the development of scientific knowledge about bones, including the history of orthopedic treatment, advances in imaging technology, and pioneers in the field. Later chapters detail the symbolism of bones in human culture; for example, investigating the significance of bones in religious culture, from saints' relics to burial rites. Also explored is the importance of bone as a material for fashioning both homemade tools and commercial products like buttons, beads, kitchen utensils, weapons, and musical instruments. A plethora of fascinating illustrations and photographs will keep readers engaged, while those seeking more detailed coverage of the topic will appreciate the comprehensive bibliography. VERDICT This appealing and kaleidoscopic narrative on bone topics, ranging from x-ray technology to the Paris catacombs, will appeal to readers interested in medicine and medical history, anthropology, archaeology, and material culture. Enjoyable and recommended.--Kelsy Peterson, Forest Hill Coll., Melbourne, Australia

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2020
Accounting for roughly 15 percent of a human body's mass, our 206 bones range from tiny (the three ossicles of the middle ear) to flat (the sternum) to lengthy (the formidable femur). Orthopedic surgeon Meals lauds bone as the ultimate building material: "Manufactured on-site, it is also lightweight, durable, and responsive to changing conditions." It's also self-mending and a repository of vital calcium. He explores the biochemistry, anatomy, growth, repair, and mechanics of bone but also its place in history, commerce, religion, and culture. Seemingly anything connected with the osseous tissue finds a place in his book. Readers encounter the practice of skull shaping, motorcycle daredevil Evil Knievel and his reported 433 incurred fractures, the wonders of our opposable thumbs, funerary practices, fossils, bone-tipped hunting weapons and tools, two nineteenth-century paleontologists' rivalry (the Bone Wars), hip replacement, and bonemeal fertilizer. One chapter speculates on the future of bones?limb regeneration, nanotechnology, 3-D printing, tissue engineering. An educational, enjoyable, and sometimes quite surprising look at living bone and what becomes of it after death.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

September 15, 2020
The story of bone, which is "ubiquitous and versatile" yet also "mysterious." "I am an orthopedic surgeon. I've been one for 40 years. I love working with and talking about bone," writes Meals in this sprightly, occasionally droll overview. The author covers an impressive amount of territory in enthusiastic fashion. With bone, he has chosen a subject worthy of his ranging curiosity, for "not only is [it] the world's best structural support"--light, durable, responsive, capable of growth, mending, and handling stress--"it is also the world's largest import-export bank, a repository of vital elements--especially calcium--on which our lives depend." Meals, a professor of orthopedic surgery at UCLA, accessibly explains the science, from chemistry to mechanics, giving readers a thorough grounding without getting overly technical. Then he proceeds to what is clearly one of his favorite topics: bone failure, pathology, and the various treatments associated with each. After introducing the roles of the bonesetters of ancient Egypt, he looks at today's rheumatologists, endocrinologists, rehabilitation specialists, diagnostic radiologists, and orthopedic surgeons. Many of these professionals have pioneered treatments for arthritic joint surfaces, viral infections, implants, fixators, and arthroscopy. Meals then shifts his attention to the art of viewing bones within the body--X-rays, CAT scans, bone density scans, MRIs--before moving on to the future contributions of stem cells, 3-D printing, plates and screws that dissolve, and the possibilities of countering the effects of osteoporosis: "Imagine the day when a 95-year-old tennis player falls and dents the court rather than breaking his hip." In the second half of the book, the author digs into a host of intriguing bone-related topics, including paleoanthropology; bones in the making of trumpets, drums, and other instruments as well as tools, jewelry, turkey callers, adornments, and artwork (e.g., scrimshaw); and the use of bones in toys and games. An added bonus are the 150 illustrations scattered throughout the text. An expansive and lively treatment of a material most of us take for granted.

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