Coles Science Center Blog

The Oxford Companion to the Body
details the structure and function of all the major systems of the body and the causes of their disorders. It also includes social and religious attitudes to the body, and its significance for artists, philosophers and writers. It is available in print in the Coles Science Center: REF9 QM7. O96 2001, and online here:
The Oxford Companion to the Body

Here’s what some people have to say about it:

“Entries range from major religions and how each views the body (e.g. ‘Hinduism and the Body,’ a two-page article) to many parts of the body (‘Fallopian Tubes’ merits a brief paragraph as well as See also references, and while neither fingers nor toes warrants an entry, ‘Fingerprints’ does). There are entries for professions that specialize in the use of the body (‘Model, Artist’s,’ with the requisite nude photograph) and even for concepts, like ‘Leisure,’ with See also references to ‘Relaxation’ and ‘Sport.’ ‘Mandrake Root’ is listed because it resembles a person and is beautifully illustrated by a reproduction from Dioscorides’s Materia medica. Remarkably affordable and compulsively readable, this volume will find a home in any academic or public library’s history of medicine or reference collection.”
-Library Journal

“Although anatomical systems and physiological functions make up the bulk of the entries, examples of the broad scope of coverage include Furniture and the body, Hinduism and the body, Lifespan, Mermaid, and Tattooing….This is neither a medical guide nor a medical dictionary; rather, it is a summary of the art and science of our bodies.”-Booklist

Besides being fun to say(!) Grzimek’s Animal Life Encyclopedia is an outstanding, unparalleled resource for information on animals found everywhere on the globe, their life cycles, predators, food systems, overall ecology and much more. It’s available in print at Bobst REF9 QL7 .G7813, and now electronically by clicking here.

Here’s what some people have to say about it:

“Originally published in German in 1967 and translated into English in the 1970s, Grzimek’s earned a reputation as the most comprehensive and authoritative information source on animals. Now this acclaimed encyclopedia is being completely revised to incorporate more than 30 years of scientific knowledge and discovery… Retaining the character of the first edition, the editors focused on updating the information and revising the text, but the most significant change is a vastly improved structure. Well-organized sections replace the long, endless narratives characteristic of the first edition, thus making the revised edition much easier to use, especially for the nonbiologist… Over 5,000 color illustrations and 3,500 maps were created specifically for this edition. Approximately 3,500 new color photographs are included as well… Even after 30 years, the original Grzimek’s is still considered a core title for reference collections. Biologists and nonbiologists alike will appreciate the excellent organization, well-written text, and beautiful illustrations. Gale will also publish e-books of the volumes, available through netLibrary, as the printed editions come out. Judging from the volumes released thus far, users will not be disappointed with this new edition. Highly recommended for all types of libraries.”– Library Journal (February 2003)

“In the hands of Thomson Gale, with the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, Grzimek’s Animal Life Encyclopedia becomes the standard in zoological encyclopedias. The content and scope of Mammals along with the format will provide depth and breadth to life science collections. Mammals is not only readable, but suitable for all school libraries supporting advanced science curricula, and for all public, college, and university libraries.” — ARBA (Annual 2004)