Understanding the biogeography of Australia requires knowledge of both existing and former environments. The existing environment is discussed elsewhere in the volume but a few salient points should be reiterated. Three-quarters of Australia is either arid or semi-arid and even much of the better-watered fringes has long dry seasons. Vast stretches of ocean separate it from other land masses except in the north where New Guinea and Indonesia form 'stepping stones' to and from Asia. It is also a low continent with over 99% of its area below 1000 m; even the highest summits barely exceed 2000 m. Since most of the surface has undergone prolonged weath­ ering, poor soils are the rule. The impact of man on the landscape has been less than in more densely settled continents. Aboriginal man has inhabited the continent for 40,000 years or more but agriculture and stock rearing have operated for less than two centuries and the present rural population is sparse. Large parts of the dry interior are not occupied although they are affected to some extent by introduced feral animals.

Ecological Biogeography of Australia (Monographiae Biologicae)

Science & Math

A. Keast,Allen Keast

Mathematics

Dr. W. Junk

The Amazon -that name was given to the biggest river on earth and is often used for the whole area of its basin too. This geographical region is currently referred to as Amazonia, thus emphasizing the peculiar character of its aquatic and terrestrial reaches. The Amazon embodied the dream of many a naturalist to explore what for a long time was a terra incognita. In recent years, however, Amazonia has emerged as a main centre for 'development' by some of the countries in which it lies and by foreign industrialized nations. The development projects and enterprises have aroused woridwide interest and have given rise to discussions on their aims and their consequences to the Amazonian nature. Limnological and ecological investigations in Amazonia started only about 40 years ago. The editor had the good fortune to partake in them from the very beginning. He spent his decisive years in Amazonia, and dedicated his life's work to that research and to that country and the Amazonian people. Nearing the end of his scicntific activities, hc is gratcful to bc ablc to summarizc in this book most of the knowledge we possess at present of Amazonian limnology and landscape ecology.

The Amazon: Limnology and landscape ecology of a mighty tropical river and its basin (Monographiae Biologicae)

Siolo, Harald

Biological Sciences

<p>It is a privilege to be asked and a pleasurable duty for me to write the foreword of this book. The conservation and wise utilisation of the humid tropical forests, a unique biome, are matters of great concern and importance to millions living within and around these forests and, perhaps, less directly, to the totality of mankind. These forests provide many essential products and services for mankind. The list is lengthy and need not be repeated here. Suffice it to say that there are not many aspects of human activity which do not utilise some of these products, services or derivatives therefrom. Yet it is the view of those most closely associated with the study of these forests that what is known is but a minuscule portion of whatthere is to know. The products and services now utilised, are perhaps some infinitesimal part of the full potential. All over the tropical world, however, these forests are being destroyed. At first, slowly, but now surely gathering tempo. This is true also of Ghana. Tracts offorest land are converted to other uses, often ephemeral and not sustained. Irreversible changes take place in our environment. The gains are shortlived, the losses unobtrusively accumulate and stay forever. The accelerating rate of deforestation, in the face of our relatively scanty knowledge of this biome, is indeed a sad reflection of the state of human affairs. It is in this setting that one welcomes this book by Messrs. J. B. Hall and M. D. Swaine.</p>

Distribution and ecology of vascular plants in a tropical rain forest: Forest vegetation in Ghana (Geobotany)

J. B. Hall,M. D. Swaine

<p>The authors of this book are busy practical men with no particular barrow to push. The text of the book includes a comprehensive review of all aspects of intraocular lens surgery including details of the design, optics chem istry and sterilization of intraocular lenses. Its value is enhanced by excellent illustrations and extensive tabulated references to the litera ture. Accounts of patient acceptability are balanced against candid discus sion of complications and their management. The historical introduction recalls that in the early stages of develop ment of the art, over a period of 10 years, two dozen different lens designs were proposed, most claiming elimination of problems which had arisen with their predecessors. Eventually nearly all disappeared from the scene. In an age where every cataract surgeon has to determine a personal position on intraocular lens implantation the author's reflections on these matters are timely. Intraocular lenses are neither a miracle nor a menace, provided that personal decisions and preferences are carefully thought through and put into practice upon the basis of known facts and not upon the basis of fickle fashion and fad. This book provides a background upon which the reader can eva luate in his own mind the validity of information provided by the manufacturers of various lens designs.</p>

Lens Implantation: 30 Years of Progress (Monographs in Ophthalmology)

J. Rommel P. Leonard

Health, Fitness & Dieting

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Books by Dr. W. Junk

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Dr. W. Junk publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Ecological Biogeography of Australia (Monographiae Biologicae)

The Amazon: Limnology and landscape ecology of a mighty tropical river and its basin (Monographiae Biologicae)

Distribution and ecology of vascular plants in a tropical rain forest: Forest vegetation in Ghana (Geobotany)

Lens Implantation: 30 Years of Progress (Monographs in Ophthalmology)