My old Animal Science Book

For whatever reason, I picked up an old friend from my college days. That old friend's name? "The science of Animals That Serve Mankind" by Campbell and Lasley. Yes, folks, I voluntarily started rereading my animal science book from college! I started, as is my adult custom, in the middle. Page 352 to be exact. Here is what I read,

"So basically influenced are we by the matter of food and drink that revolutions, peace, war, patriotism, international understanding, our daily life and the whole fabric of human social life are profoundly influenced by it - and what is the use of saying "peace, peace" when there is no peace below the diaphragm. This applies to nations as well as individuals - men refuse to work, soldiers refuse to fight, prima donnas refuse to sing, senators refuse to debate, and even presidents refuse to rule the country when they are hungry." Lin Yutang (1895 - ...)

As I age and watch world events the truth of these words speak more clearly to me each day. Farming is a fundemental good. I am proud to be a part of this noble profession. Because I, and my fellow farmers, do our jobs well, society has the first building block of peace and prosperity.

On the next page, page 353, I found this interesting statement,

"The modern era of the science of nutrition was pioneered by the French chemist A. L. Lavosier, in the 1770's. Lavoisier was the first to recognize that animal heat was derived from the oxidation of body substance. He compared animal heat with that produced by a candle. The general form of the apparatus Lavoisier used in his experiments was illustrated in two drawings made by Madame Lavoisier. The methods of study he used, however, are unknown, because Lavoisier was executed on May 8, 1794, at the age of 51, by the Paris Commune. He was found guilty of allowing the collection of taxes on water contained in tobacco."

I am guessing that he found himself on the wrong side of the French revolution. It reminds me of the endless need to "backup your work" and, more importantly, be mindful of the wrath of the people when they get tired of paying taxes.

And finally, on the same page, "All flesh is grass." --Isaiah 40:6

Which turns out to be a sawed off quote. Here is the larger version.

"A voice says, "Cry out," and I said,  "What shall I cry?" "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass." Isaiah 40:6-7

The chapter in my text book proceeds to explain how plants and animals are made of the same compounds (stuff) just in different proportions and combinations. I suppose one could then suggest that we are what we eat. I of course would hold that men are much more than the some of the "stuff" that makes us. We have a spirit and reflect the qualities of the One that made us but that would be leaving the department of Animal Science. With that in mind I read on about various wonders of Hydrogen, Carbon, and Oxygen and how they interact. We are fearfully and wonderfully made!

That reminded me of why this was the last animal science book I read at college. May God bless those that can comprehend large quantities of this knowledge and make good use of it. Farming is a noble profession the the peace of the world rests on the skill of those involved in it.

Just some thoughts to consider:

Thanks for thinking with me.