Handbook of Cereal Science and Technology Book

It is a fascinating overview of trends in current science. The chapters, which I really liked were: "Is Environmental Cancer a Political Disease?," "Old Messages [...]," "Building Bridges to Afrocentrism [...]," and "The Science Question in Postcolonial Feminism."

Let me tease a little. I don't think "catholicity of tastes" is well defined term, and I'd love to get meaning of it. The next sentence is long, and convoluted, so perhaps I cut it in wrong place, but I cannot make heads or tails of "cogent response from scientist willing to take the time to study and respond thereto; and vice versa!"

"Prehistoric remains had been discovered in France and Germany, and there were even rumors of findings in Africa. Surely human life could not have started in those uncivilized places [? it's very untrue and racial statement]. In other place again: "Afrocentrists, but also academics in other disciplines who steered fastidiously clear of the argument, not only because they accept enhanced self-esteem as a remedy for the handicaps [?] borne by some black students [...]" [what kind of handicaps, perhaps definition would help?]

"No Jungian psychology is taught in any self-respecting department of psychology. Whoever believes in homeopathy cannot make it into an accredited medical school." [It's a very controversial statement.]

"To encourage people to learn about evolution, it is necessary to allow them to retain their faith." [Ouch! I could write whole dissertation about this statement. Let's speak about liberty, fraternity, and equality - yes, equality. Who are you to allow me to retain my faith? I have it granted by the constitution. What would make you so superior to people who have ideas other then yours? Perhaps a little tolerance would help?].

I loved some parts, like "idea of statistics as a means of ascertaining 'the 'quantum of happiness' enjoyed by the inhabitants if a country,'and the means of its future improvement." Also:'"authority unjustified by reason is tyranny, and when supported by reason, is redundant, for reason alone should suffice." This recognition is the necessary step toward selfhood.' Funny ideas reported about attempts to weight soul or extract light from cucumbers.

"[In] natural selection (very few animals have offspring) [except for insects, rodents, cats, dogs, rabbits, etc.]

Those were bits and pieces that I had issues with. However, whole book is very enriching. It helps understand importance of scientific method in exploring the world, and promotes separation of religion from state and science. It is hard to read, but very interesting and comprehensive. I enjoyed reading it. One more issue: I would wholeheartedly agree that alternative medicine should not be used instead of regular one, however it shouldn't be discarded, because it is as a very effective method of prevention. That is the reason I would find using of herbs (especially now, that may people are resistant to antibiotics) equally scientific as any other subject.