The Respiratory Physiology of Animals by James N. Cameron.

The Respiratory Physiology of Animals by James N. Cameron.  Hardcover book published by Oxford University Press 1989.

I don’t want to dwell too much on the subject matter of this title.  This is a very technical book obviously intended for veterinary people and/or those that are interested in the subject matter… which I guess would be mostly veterinary people.  Personally it’s not a subject that I have any interest in at all being more concerned about my own Respiratory Physiology (… it’s a long story, I wont bore you with it now… you can breathe easy). 

So why am I writing about this book?  Well neatly stashed away in a pocket in the back of the book is that extra little something containing bits of information that you can put onto your computer thingy and expand your understanding of the subject.  If it’s on a screen it’s bound to be of more interest and value (?).  I haven’t looked at the information but you never know, there may extra bits or more detailed stuff.  Hang on… the disc indicates that it contains “Computer Programs” so it’s obviously intended to be a bit interactive.  Unfortunately the disc will only work on IBM PC and… the Tandy 2000.  

 The Tandy 2000… with a guy called Bill.

 

 The disc that should fit into the Tandy 2000.

Unfortunately this floppy disc won’t fit into my computer… or anyone elses computer*.  And even if it did, would the programs actually work?  This ancient (1989) technology is obviously problematic.  The publishers have included the disc as it was considered important at the time.  But if there is important extra information on the disc how do we access it now?  This is a much bigger question than just for this copy of this book.  I was recently talking to a friend about this issue in relation to library collections.  Many libraries invested heavily in groundbreaking 1980s technology to find that 20 to 30 years later it is totally worthless… unless you can maintain a vintage computer system that can handle this sort of information.  The question is how relevant is the information on the disc and is it really worthwhile having a Tandy 2000 on hand to access this disc? 

Fortunately this book is also a book and it does have a book full of information.  The disc in the back?  Maybe contact this guy and ask him what to do with it.

*that I know.