Elizabeth W. Davdison
University of Arizona Press, Tucson, 2006; 208 pp.
ISBN: 0-8165-2612-5 (cloth, $35.00)
0-8165-2544-7 (paper, $17.95)

The title of the book is paraphrased from a poem by Jonathan Swift and refers to the fact that sooner or later, every living thing gets sick. In this context, Davidson links many of the accomplishments in invertebrate pathology to subsequent successes in the larger scientific community, particularly with regard to human health and welfare. Various histories of the study of disease in invertebrates have been written, but the presentations have usually been somewhat dry and itemized. Davidson’s book, on the other hand, chronicles the discoveries and developments in invertebrate pathology in an informative, entertaining style.

The book is divided into 15 chapters and a section on suggested readings. Each chapter is illustrated with historical and scientific photographs and micrographs. Chapter 1 covers early observations on insect disease and the seminal discovery by Agostino Bassi that disease in an animal (silkworm) was caused by an infectious agent, the fungus Beauveria bassiana. Bassi has since been credited by many historians, including Davidson, with being the father of the “germ theory” of disease.

Also covered in this chapter is the initial work of Louis Pasteur on silkworm disease.  Both Bassi and Pasteur went on to solve complex problems regarding the cause and cure of several human diseases.

The subsequent chapters span the time between Pasteur’s developments until the present and include the discovery and development of several microbial agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi) and nematodes (entomopathogenic and parasitic species) for classical and augmentative biological control of a variety of insect pests in agriculture and human health (covered in seven of the chapters); advances in invertebrate immunity; the Baculovirus gene expression system and its many important uses; the development of the Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay; diseases of edible marine invertebrates; the link between cholera and crustaceans; honey bee diseases;  insects and their symbiotic microorganisms. The final chapter and timeline tie the stories in the previous chapters together with other scientific discoveries and developments.  

Some terminology and taxonomy should be corrected before using them in lectures. For example, instead of nuclear polyhedrosis virus and granulosis virus, the terms nucleopolyhedrovirus and granulovirus are now used.  The Microsporidia are referred to as protozoans in Chapters 1 and 13; they have recently been placed with the fungi. Codling moth is referred to Carpocapsa pomonella; it is now called Cydia pomonella.

It will also be of use to scientists with interests in entomology, parasitology and other fields and to those of us who refer to ourselves as invertebrate pathologists.  Colleagues who use their first lectures in invertebrate pathology to recount the history of our discipline can use the book to add entertaining facts and links to subsequent scientific advancements. In addition to historical accounts, the book provides examples of how sharing ideas and technology among scientific fields can lead to rapid advances in science. The book also will be of interest to the public whose background and curiosity in science run deeper than the average reader’s. 

Considering the price, the book can be an easily affordable addition to the libraries of scientists and the public.

Lawrence A. Lacey
USDA–ARS–YARL
5230 Konnowac Pass Rd.
Wapato, WA 98951
llacey@yarl.ars.usda.gov
American Entomologist
Vol. 53, No. 2, Summer 2007