This well-illustrated book on the life sciences covers many topical issues, ranging from the origin of life to mad-cow disease. The illustrations include line drawings, mostly in color, and many electron micrographs. Concise and clearly written, it is suitable for the non-specialist, and the undergraduate embarking on this field.The book also provides basic information on the major groups of disease-producing microorganisms, their defense by the body, and preventive measures such as immunization. It shows how closely integrated plants and animals are to one another in maintaining life on the planet.The ultimate message of the book is the need to protect our ecosystem and the need for scientists to rise above the confines of race and nationality for the good of humanity.