BLOLOGY FOR BEGINNERS
REVISED EDITION (1926)
By TRUMAN J. MOON
A textbook for beginners must make clear-cut statements and sharp distinctions. Nature seldom provides such exact boundaries; for there is hardly a generalization which is not subject to some exceptions if one looks for them. If every statement in an elementary book is modified by exceptions, a beginner gets a vague idea or none at all.
For example, we tell a beginner that all living things need air.
This is a useful generalization; but a bacteriologist would cite exceptions in the anaérobic bacteria. We say that carbon, is an insoluble element. And so it is, so far as biology is concerned; but the chemist objects that Moissan dissolved it in iron in the electric furnace.
Similar cases arise in the experience of any teacher of young pupils. Shall we go into detail, state all conditions and exceptions, and confuse the beginner, or shall we state broad general truths and leave the exceptions till later?
The author’s experience favors the latter plan and he follows it in this book. He does not aim to sacrifice accuracy for simplicity, but he does try to avoid encumbering details when teaching a beginner.
Just as content is of first importance in teaching beginners, so are organization and teaching equipment of vital concern.
The course here presented emphasizes the fact that biology is a unit science, based on the fundamental idea of development, rather than a forced combination of portions of botany, zodlogy, and hygiene. Within each chapter the arrangement is such that it iseasy for the pupil to study, outline, and remember each lesson.
Outlines, tabulations, diagrams, and vocabularies take up a larger proportion of pages than in any similar text.
The numerous diagrammatic line drawings are intended to simplify matters of structure for the beginner who would have difficulty in selecting the essential points of a photograph or highly detailed line drawing. It is hoped also that a reasonable use of line drawings will help the pupil in his laboratory work by affording models which he can easily approximate.
To facilitate collateral reading, extensive lists of exact page references have been added to each chapter. Most of these have been used by the author and his pupils and are of known value. It is not supposed that every school will have all the books to which reference has been made; but from so large a list, many references on each chapter will surely be available.
No laboratory work is included in the text. Such a plan tends to invite copying from the book rather than gaining the information from observation of the material in hand. In a separate manual such as the author has prepared more complete directions can be given and more detailed results required.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
In offering to the public this Revised Edition the author desires to acknowledge the many helpful suggestions received from various sources. A large number of these have been based upon actual teaching experience with the text.
The scientific accuracy and artistic execution of the line drawings are due to the skilled hand of Miss Ellen Edmonson of Cornell University.
Mr. Paul B. Mann, Head of the Department of Biology in Evander Childs High School, New York City, and Dr. John H. Gerould, chairman of the Department of Biology at Dartmouth College, have assisted with valuable suggestions as to subject matter. Constructive criticism of high order has been contributed by Professor L. L. Woodruff, of Yale University.
The author is especially indebted to the cheerful assistance of his wife in the laborious task of reading and correcting the proof, and to his fellow teacher, Miss Catherine E. Reed, for many helpful suggestions as to content and arrangement.
If there be aught in the Revised Edition to make it of greater value to teacher and pupil let it be to the credit of the authorities consulted and help received; for its many shortcomings the author alone is responsible.
Some contents
Foundations of Biology
- Introduction → Sets the stage for what biology is and why it matters.
- Elements: The Alphabet of Living Things → Basic chemical elements that make up life.
- Compounds: Biology’s Building Materials → How molecules like proteins and carbohydrates form living matter.
- Protoplasm: The Basis of Biology → Early concept of the “living substance” inside cells.
Plant Life
- Seeds: Structure and Germination → How seeds are built and how they sprout.
- Roots: Structure and Function → Roots absorb water and anchor plants.
- Absorption and Osmosis → How water and nutrients move into plant cells.
- Stems: Forms and Structure → Different types of stems and their roles.
- Leaves: Structure and Functions → Photosynthesis, transpiration, and gas exchange.
- Flowers: Pollination → How plants reproduce.
- Fruits and Their Uses → Seeds dispersal and human uses.
- Spore-bearing Plants → Ferns, mosses, and fungi.
nvertebrates
- Protozoa → Single-celled organisms.
- Worms → Simple multicellular animals.
- Arthropods → Insects, crustaceans, spiders.
- Insects and Disease → Mosquitoes, flies, and their role in spreading illness.
Vertebrates
- Introduction to Vertebrates → Overview of animals with backbones.
- The Frog → Anatomy and life cycle.
- Amphibia: Life History → Evolution and development of amphibians.
- Reptiles → Cold-blooded vertebrates with scales.
- Birds → Their structure, flight, and adaptations.
Editor's Note: interesting general biology book with illustrations. I should study it also.
