Catalog All books
Étienne Ghys
Snowflakes: A Wonder of Nature
An introduction to the science of crystals within the reach of non-specialists, with a very clear introduction to the physical and mathematical aspects of the subject.
Robert Germinet
An Apprenticeship in the Uncertain
"When I got my degree from the Ecole des Mines, I didn't know how to do anything with my hands. But there was nothing surprising about that: I was an unalloyed product of French teaching methods. I realised that it would be useful to teach students not to be afraid to get their hands dirty: to educate future engineers by first of all inculcating in them an experimental approach to science. The idea was to send them out into the field, dressed in workers' overalls; to make them share in the concerns of the technicians, as well as in management's problems: in short, to make them ingenious engineers." Georges Charak Robert Germinet, who holds a doctorate in physics, is the director of the Ecoles des Mines, Nantes, and regional director for industry, research and the environment for the Pays de la Loire.
Christopher K. Germer
The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions
An introduction to self-compassion by an eminent clinical psychologist and bestselling author
Patrick Gepner
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is characterised by a loss in the quality and quantity of bone tissue. The consequences are serious: they include fractures and the compression and curving of the spinal column, and the disease is responsible for more deaths than breast cancer. It is estimated that one-third of menopausal women suffer from osteoporosis, and the proportion is likely to rise as a result of bone damage caused by extreme dieting and anorexia among female adolescents. The fear of high cholesterol and weight gain among women older than 50 years of age is also responsible for decreased bone density. In addition, the incidence of osteoporosis among males is on the rise. Recently, there has been increased interest in the subject of osteoporosis, which has been described as "an invisible enemy" because it rarely produces symptoms. It is usually detected when a fracture occurs and by then it is too late. For this reason, early diagnosis and, particularly, prevention are of the utmost importance. Like the other books in the "Santé au Quotidien" series, this is a practical handbook, which reviews all that is known today about the disease and offers much useful advice: Which kinds of mineral water contain the most calcium? How can you eat plenty of calcium-rich milk products without gaining weight? Is hormonal replacement treatment during menopause an effective method of preventing osteoporosis? The outline of the book: When should you become concerned about osteoporosis? How is it diagnosed? What can you do to ensure good bones for life? How can osteoporosis be treated? False notions and honest tips. Patrick Gepner is a rheumatologist, practising at the Hôpital Foch, in Suresnes, near Paris. He is the author of Mal de dos, published by Editions Odile Jacob in the "Santé au Quotidien" series.