Life: Articles (15)
Articles written by Science File members
Silphium: A Case of Anthropogenic Extinction? (Part Five)
Written by Tom Deteau
Silphium - was it a case of anthropogenic extinction, and why? Part V - cultivation, harvesting and storage
Silphium: A Case of Anthropogenic Extinction? (Part Four)
Written by Tom Deteau
Geography, climate, distribution and habitat
A visitor's opinions
Silphium: A Case of Anthropogenic Extinction? (Part Three)
Written by Tom Deteau
Part Three - the other written descriptive sources
Silphium: A Case of Anthropogenic Extinction? (Part Two)
Written by Tom Deteau
A note on taxonomy, and an ancient botanist
Silphium: A Case of Anthropogenic Extinction? (Part One)
Written by Tom Deteau
The extinct umbellifer-type herb silphium, once highly valued, is probably the first documented case of anthropogenic extinction due to over-exploitation and habitat destruction. Why was it so highly esteemed?
This article considers the implementation and consequences of a radical, rational policy that demands neither suffering nor miracles (and can therefore be considered truly scientific) to produce an indefinitely sustainable quality of life rather better than currently enjoyed in the West, for everyone.
The Great Plague of Athens (430-28BCE) is still an unsolved medico-historical mystery. Thucydides’s contemporary account is detailed but inconclusive and further studies, including DNA sampling, have still not provided a definite answer.
Not Cocaine: The Other History Of Local Anaesthesia and Analgesia
Written by Tom Deteau
The history of local anaesthesia and analgesics throughout the ages, from Mesopotamia to the present day.
Toxins, pathogens, and bio-researchers are popular targets for fictional terror plots, but researchers take extreme measures to keep us safe.
In these articles I hope to promote a better understanding of autism and discuss some of the theories as to its cause.
The story of Osteoarthritis, from the ancient Egyptians to the present - and beyond.
Being a brief but discursive history of some of the developments in general anaesthesia up to the twentieth century, mostly in Europe.
Being a brief but discursive history of some of the developments in general anaesthesia up to the twentieth century, mostly in Europe.
It's not just wind that chills: water helps as well.