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Ever wonder why some people have difficulty recognizing faces or why food found delicious in one culture is reviled in another? John M. Henshaw ponders these and other surprising facts in this fascinating and fast-paced tour of the senses.
From when stimuli first excite our senses to the near-miraculous sense organs themselves to the mystery of how our brain interprets senses, Henshaw explains the complex phenomena of how we see, feel, taste, touch, and smell. He takes us through the rich history of sensory perception, dating back to Aristotle’s classification of the five main senses, and helps us understand the science and technology behind sensory research today.
A Tour of the Senses travels beyond our human senses. Henshaw describes artificial sensing technologies and instruments, unusual sensory abilities of the animal kingdom, and techniques for improving, rehabilitating, and even replacing sense organs.
This entertaining introduction to sensory science is a clever mix of research findings and real-world stories that helps us understand the complex processes that turn sensory stimuli into sophisticated brain responses.
The Johns Hopkins University Press
Well written, entertaining, and informative.
Henshaw has a remarkable ability to explain complex mathematics in a manner accessible to general readers.
It is easy to read, and Henshaw has a pleasant style of throwing himself into the action.
A fine guide recommended for health and science general-interest collections.
When Henshaw told a casual acquaintance that he was writing a book about the senses, the response was 'The five senses?' He was quick to reply that there are more than five, and one goal of this book is to convince the reader that that is the case... One of the pluses of this book is its conversational tone and the use of anecdotes and examples.
A blend of research findings and real-world anecdotes about people's sensory experiences enlivens this historical view of the science behind perception.
— Alan Cadogan
— Matthew R. Longo
This is an interesting book–an ideal gift for young biologists.
A Tour of the Senses is a fun book, which may be of interest to anyone who's ever wondered how the eye or ear works.
Henshaw has a remarkable ability to explain complex mathematics in a manner accessible to general readers.
It is easy to read, and Henshaw has a pleasant style of throwing himself into the action.
Well written, entertaining, and informative.
Acknowledgments ix
Introduction 1
Part 1 Stimulus 19
Chapter 1 Electromagnetic Stimuli 21
Chapter 2 Chemical Stimuli 39
Chapter 3 Mechanical Stimuli 48
Chapter 4 The Science of Sensation 67
Part 2 Sensation 75
Chapter 5 Vision 79
Chapter 6 The Chemical Senses 109
Chapter 7 The Mechanical Senses 136
Part 3 Perception 185
Chapter 8 Remembering the Present 189
Chapter 9 Perception and Culture 233
Chapter 10 Perception and Education 245
Bibliography 255
Index 265
S_A_Merritt
Posted March 28, 2012
An experienced professor with a rare combination of expertise and friendliness, Dr. Henshaw has the ability to convey an understanding of difficult technical concepts with his easy-to-follow teaching style. As with his previous book, Does Measurement Measure Up?, I can "hear" his voice in his writing.
This engaging journey is full of fascinating information about each of the senses (spoiler alert: there are more than five). Our guide progresses through three categories: stimulus (what we detect with our senses), sensation (how our bodies are equipped to receive different kinds of information), and perception (how we comprehend what we sense). Along the way, Dr. Henshaw demonstrates parallels within the animal kingdom, physics, sports, technology, and the happenings of everyday life. His examples bring to mind personal experiences and spark interest in new topics. My bookmark is scribbled with notes!
I always savor a story that makes me think and makes me laugh, and A Tour of the Senses achieved both. In this case, my family probably got a few chuckles, too, as they watched me shake my head, stretch out my arm (book in hand), or cover one eye in an attempt to perform some of the physical illustrations! I recommend reading this book for fresh insight into the senses we all use to enjoy life—but often fail to appreciate.
Anonymous
Posted July 2, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
Ever wonder why some people have difficulty recognizing faces or why food found delicious in one culture is reviled in another? John M. Henshaw ponders these and other surprising facts in this fascinating and fast-paced tour of the senses.
From when stimuli first excite our senses to the near-miraculous sense organs themselves to the mystery of how our brain interprets senses, Henshaw explains the complex phenomena of how we see, feel, taste, touch, and smell. He takes us ...