Comparative Physiology of the Vertebrate Digestive System

Comparative Physiology of the Vertebrate Digestive System

Author / Editor / Creator:  C. Edward Stevens and Ian D. Hume

Publication Identification:  Cambridge University Press, second edition, 1995/1996. ISBN 0521444187 / 9780521444187.

Ecology: Theories and Applications

Ecology: Theories and Applications

Author / Editor / Creator:  Peter Stiling

Publication Identification:  Prentice Hall, 1999. Third edition. 638 pages. ISBN 0139156534 / 9780139156533.

Evolutionary Biology

Evolutionary Biology

Author / Editor / Creator:  Douglas J. Futuyma

Publication Identification:  Sinauer Associates, third edition, late 1990s. ISBN 0878931899 / 9780878931897 associated with the third edition hardcover.

Evolutionary Ecology

Evolutionary Ecology

Author / Editor / Creator:  Eric R. Pianka

Publication Identification:  Harper & Row, 1988. Fourth edition

Feeding: Form, Function and Evolution in Tetrapod Vertebrates

Feeding: Form, Function and Evolution in Tetrapod Vertebrates

Author / Editor / Creator:  Kurt Schwenk, editor

Publication Identification:  Academic Press / Elsevier, 2000. First edition. 537 pages.

I originally purchased this book to better understand why one of my snakes was having difficulty eating. Discovering that it was edited by my favorite researcher was a happy coincidence.

Functional Chordate Anatomy

Functional Chordate Anatomy

Author / Editor / Creator:  Ronald G. Wolff

Publication Identification:  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Trade & Reference Publishers. 2000. Comparative anatomy textbook.

How Snakes Work: Structure, Function and Behavior of the World’s Snakes

How Snakes Work: Structure, Function and Behavior of the World’s Snakes

Author / Editor / Creator:  Harvey B. Lillywhite

Publication Identification:  Oxford University Press, 2014. ISBN 9780195380378. Modern synthesis of snake functional biology.

Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach

Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach

Author / Editor / Creator:  Dee Unglaub Silverthorn

Publication Identification:  Pearson, seventh edition. 2016

Letters to a Young Scientist

Letters to a Young Scientist

Author / Editor / Creator:  Edward O. Wilson

Publication Identification:  Liveright Publishing Corporation. 2014. Science career and mentorship work.

Excerpt of a Review: “Beautifully written, richly detailed, and practical. Wilson’s little book should command the attention of anyone who is contemplating a career in ecology or biodiversity, or who ‘sometimes daydreams like a scientist.”

A special thank you to Marshall McCue, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, for recommending this book to me and several others in my collection. With years of experience in scientific research and leadership, Dr. McCue took the time to guide someone just beginning his scientific journey, recommending books that would help me build a foundation of knowledge and better prepare for college and a future in research. I am grateful for his guidance, encouragement, and willingness to share his experience.

Life at the Limits

Life at the Limits

Author / Editor / Creator:  David A. Wharton

Publication Identification:  Cambridge University Press volume. 2002

Physiological Ecology: How Animals Process Energy, Nutrients, and Toxins

Physiological Ecology: How Animals Process Energy, Nutrients, and Toxins

Author / Editor:  William H. Karasov and Carlos Martínez del Rio

Identification:  Princeton University Press, 2007. 

Snakes: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Snakes: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Editors:  Richard A. Seigel, Joseph T. Collins, and Susan S. Novak

Collection Category:  Ecology & Evolution & Physiology

Edition Represented:  Blackburn Press paperback reprint, 2001. Original publication: 1987

Student Handbook for Writing in Biology

A Student Handbook for Writing in Biology

Author / Editor / Creator:  Karin Knisely

Publication Identification:  Oxford University Press, IncorporatedThird edition. 2009

Intended readership: A Student Handbook for Writing in Biology by Karin Knisely, is a valuable resource for students navigating scientific writing within the life sciences.  Published in 2009 by Oxford University Press, this 224-page guide provides essential instruction on authorship and effective communication in the field of biology.  It remains a practical and functional reference for coursework in both Language Arts & Disciplines and Science.

Textbook of Veterinary Physiology

Textbook of Veterinary Physiology

Author / Editor / Creator:  James E. Breazile

Publication Identification:  Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 1985. Veterinary physiology textbook.

For those of you wondering, I currently do not have any plans to be a Veterinarian.

The Physiological Ecology of Vertebrates: A View from Energetics

The Physiological Ecology of Vertebrates: A View from Energetics

Author: Brian Keith McNab Foreword: James H. Brown

Publisher: Comstock Publishing Associates, a division of Cornell University Press

Publication Idenification: Scholarly academic monograph and scientific reference work 2002 ISBN-10: 0801439132 ISBN-13: 9780801439131

Subject classification: Vertebrate physiology, physiological ecology, ecological energetics, evolutionary biology, animal adaptation, and comparative physiology

Intended readership: Advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, university faculty, biological researchers, ecologists, zoologists, and professionals working in related scientific disciplines. (This explains why I understood 2-5%).

Research focus: A comprehensive examination of vertebrate physiological ecology through the study of energy acquisition, expenditure, and allocation. The work considers metabolism, environmental adaptation, temperature regulation, locomotion, growth, evolutionary relationships, and the ecological consequences of physiological variation.

Academic reception: Reviewers characterized the book as a substantial contribution to physiological ecology, particularly for its synthesis of empirical research and its treatment of energetics as a framework for understanding vertebrate adaptation and ecological relationships. Although some reviewers considered the material too demanding for introductory undergraduate instruction, its value for advanced students, educators, and professional researchers was repeatedly emphasized.

The Theory of Evolution

The Theory of Evolution

Author / Editor / Creator:  John Maynard Smith

Publication Identification:  Canto / Cambridge University Press edition. 1993.

277 Secrets Your Snake and Lizard Wants You to Know

Author / Editor / Creator:  Paulette Cooper

Publication Identification:  Ten Speed Press. 1999. Popular reptile information and husbandry book.

Discovery Snakeopedia: The Complete Guide to Everything Snake

Author / Editor / Creator:  Time Home Entertainment Inc. Staff, Discovery Channel Firm Staff

Publication Identification:  Texas Instruments Inc. Books. 2014. More than 400 photos and includes lizards and other reptiles.

They slither and crawl, hiss and flick their tongues, and never ever blink. Now kids can learn everything there is to know about the world’s creepiest creatures. This title is a complete visual guide to the exciting world of snakes, with more than 400 stunning photographs.

Facination

Fascination: Schlangen und Echsen, Serpents et Lézards, Snakes and Lizards

Author / Editor / Creator:  Fred Kundert

Publication Identification:  Verlag L. Kundert (privately published by the author in Potters Bar)

Country: Switzerland

Publisher: Verlag F. Kundert

Publication location: Spreitenbach, Switzerland

Publication year: 1974

This was an expensive book, but it was only when I began researching its publication history that I discovered what a treasure I had acquired. Published in Switzerland in 1974, Fascination by Fred Kundert is a multilingual photographic work documenting snakes and lizards through extensive color photography and accompanying text in German, French, and English. Its presentation makes the material accessible to readers across several linguistic communities.

The publication also has documented significance within herpetological literature. Kundert’s work has been referenced in subsequent scientific publications, including research published in Tropical Zoology in 2005. Its inclusion in scientific bibliographies demonstrates that the book has served as a reference beyond its original audience.

The preservation of this volume contributes to documenting the presentation, photography, and dissemination of herpetological knowledge during the 1970s. Its publication by a small, author-named Swiss publishing operation also makes the documentation of its publishing history particularly worthwhile.

I have to give a tribute to Fred Kundert (1942-2012). Your work is remembered and lives on.

Here is an excerpt from, Sekretär: Beiträge zur Literatur und Geschichte der Herpetologie und Terrarienkunde (Sekretär: Contributions to the Literature and History of Herpetology and Terrarium Keeping, Supplement III (2015)), book, pp. 40-41:

“From 1971 to 2000, Brunner was the owner of the “Café Restaurant Vivarium Python” in Oberglatt, which he had built according to his own plans. Over the years, it became one of the region’s attractions.

The advertising poster was designed by Fred Kundert (1942–2012), who also used the image of an Indian python (Python molurus molurus) in his book Fascination (1974).

In carefully arranged terrariums, Brunner exhibited approximately 80 species of venomous and nonvenomous snakes from around the world, including all the major species of giant constrictors and all species of mambas.

In 1972, Brunner achieved the world’s first successful captive breeding of the green mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps).”

Here is the link in the original Swiss Standard German:

https://www.skn-reptilien.ch/download/sekretaer_supplement3.pdf

Laboratory Medicine: Avian and Exotic Pets

Author / Editor / Creator:  Alan M. Fudge, DVM, Diplomate ABVP

Publication Identification:  W. B. Saunders Company (Elsevier Health Sciences Division). 2000. Veterinary laboratory medicine reference.

Medical Herpetology

Amphibians and reptiles – their influence on, and relationship to, human medicine.

Author / Editor / Creator:  Steve Grenard; bibliographic research by David H. Katz

Publication Identification:  N G Pub Co 1994 Medical and public health treatment of amphibians and reptiles.

Pet Owner’s Guide to the Snake

Author / Editor / Creator:  Fred Nind, BVM&S, MRCVS

Publication Identification:  Interpet Publishing, Ringpress Books imprint.  2003.  Part of the Pet Owner’s Guide series.

Reptile Keeper’s Handbook

Author / Editor / Creator:  Susan M. Barnard, Department of Herpetology, Zoo Atlanta

Publication Identification:  Krieger Pub Co. 1996. Institution associated husbandry handbook.

Written by a professional zoo keeper, this handbook provides the reader with a practical, “hands-on” approach to the husbandry of reptiles, including venomous snakes. The wide variety of topics is presented concisely and in a manner that enables the reader to obtain information quickly. Subjects include nomenclature, taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, selection of species, transporting, handling, housing, hygiene, feeding, nutritional disorders, maintenance of insect colonies, health, medical and necropsy considerations, reproduction, and egg incubation. The appendixes contain information on the origins, climates, habits, habitats, approximate adult sizes, and food preferences of all reptilian genera.

Reptiles

Author / Editor / Creator:  Teddy Moncuit and Karim Daoues; Paul Starosta, photography

Publication Identification:  Hachette Ill. 2004. Large format illustrated reptile volume.

Smithsonian Nature Guide: Snakes and Other Reptiles and Amphibians

Author / Editor / Creator:  Chris Mattison

Publication Identification:  First American edition, 2014.  DK Publishing, New York.  Smithsonian Nature Guide series. 

Snake: The Snake Keeper’s Guide

Author / Editor / Creator:  Jeff Protheroe and Barry Pomfrett

Publication Identification:  1994.  Air Research Publications, Surrey, England. 

Snakes: Understanding and Caring for Your Snake

From the publishers of Practical Reptile Keeping comes Practical Pets Series

Author / Editor / Creator:  David Alderton: Practical Pets Series

Publication Identification:  Stephen Curtis: Kelsey Publishing Group. Series “first published 2012”.

The 25 Best Reptile and Amphibian Pets

Author / Editor:  R. D. Bartlett

Identification:  Barron’s, Hauppauge, New York, 2006.  155 pages with color illustrations.  The cover identifies R. D. Bartlett and emphasizes acquiring, housing, nutrition, and health care.

Amurnattern: Elaphe schrenckii & Elaphe anomala

Amur Snakes Elaphe Schrenckii (Spiecies of nonvenomous snake) and Elaphe Anomala (Korean Ratsnake)

Author / Editor / Creator:  Bruno Treu

Publication Identification:  2008. NTV Natur und Tier-Verlag. German language. Series: Art für Art

Bibliography of Snake Venoms and Venomous Snakes

Author / Editor / Creator:  Russell & Scharffenberg

Publication Identification:  Bibliographic Associates.  1964

Biology of the Vipers

Author / Editor / Creator:  Gordon W. Schuett, Mats Höggren, Michael E. Douglas, Harry W. Greene, editors

Publication Identification:  Eagle Mountain Publishing, LC. 2002.

When I first considered purchasing Biology of the Vipers, it seemed like the holy grail of reference books for anyone interested in studying vipers. The more I learned about its contents, the more I appreciated just how extensive a scientific resource it was.

Published in 2002, the book builds upon an earlier publication, Biology of the Pitvipers (1992), expanding the scope of research to include both pitvipers and true vipers. Edited by Gordon W. Schuett, Mats Höggren, Michael E. Douglas, and Harry W. Greene, it brings together research from an international group of herpetologists and scientists.

The book examines nearly every major aspect of viper biology, including evolution, taxonomy, ecology, natural history, behavior, reproduction, physiology, anatomy, feeding adaptations, venom, paleontology, and conservation. It explores not only how these snakes live and interact with their environments, but also the evolutionary processes that have shaped their remarkable adaptations.

What makes this book particularly valuable to me is the opportunity to learn from researchers who have devoted years of their careers to studying these animals. Rather than presenting a general overview of vipers, it provides access to specialized scientific investigations and the findings of scientists working in different areas of herpetology.

This is exactly the kind of book I want in my reference library. I look forward to drawing upon the research it contains throughout my college education and future career. Equally satisfying is knowing that this resource will be available to my peers should they wish to consult it in pursuit of their own research and scientific interests.

Discovering Snakes in Wild Places: Stories of Passion, Adventure & Science

Author / Editor / Creator:  Harvey B. Lillywhite

Publication Identification:  ECO Publishing. 2022.

Landscape with Reptile: Rattlesnakes in an Urban World

Author / Editor / Creator:  Thomas Palmer

Publication Identification:  Ticknor & Fields first edition.  1992

Living Snakes of the World in Color

Author / Editor / Creator:  John M. Mehrtens

Publication Identification:  Sterling Publishing Company, New York.  1987.

Rattler! A Natural History of Rattlesnakes

Author / Editor / Creator:  Chris Mattison

Publication Identification:  Blandford Press.  1996.

Reptile and Amphibian Variants: Colors, Patterns, and Scales

Author / Editor:  H. Bernard Bechtel

Publication Identification:  Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida, 1995. 

Snake Lovers’ Lifelist Journal

Author / Editor / Creator:  Chris Scott

Publication Identification:  University of Texas Press.  1996

Snakes & Snakebite in Southern Africa

Author / Editor / Creator:  Johan Marais

Publication Identification:  Penguin Random House South Africa.  2000. 

Snakes of the Orient: A Checklist

Author / Editor / Creator:  Kenneth R. Welch

Publication Identification:  Krieger Publishing Company.  1988. 

Snakes: A Natural History

Author / Editor / Creator:  Roland Bauchot, editor

Publication Identification:  Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.  1997.

Snakes: A Natural History

Author / Editor / Creator:  H. W. Parker; revised and enlarged by A. G. C. Grandison

Publication Identification:  Cornell University Press, Second edition, revised and enlarged, 1977

A museum based natural history treatment of snakes covering their place among reptiles, structure, feeding, reproduction, behavior, ecology, and major snake groups.  Its association with the British Museum (Natural History) gives it particular value as an institutional zoological interpretation prepared for a broad readership.  The revised 1977 edition also preserves an earlier generation of snake taxonomy and biological explanation for comparison with modern sources.

The Atlas of Snakes of the World

Author / Editor / Creator:  John Coborn

Publication Identification:  T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, New Jersey.  1991.

A large 591 page illustrated world reference devoted specifically to snakes.  The book is useful for documenting how snake identification, geographic distribution, taxonomy, and natural history were presented to general and specialist readers at the beginning of the 1990s.  Its broad international coverage makes it valuable as a comparative reference within a collection containing both regional and species specific snake literature.

The Snake Book of India

Author / Editor / Creator:  J. S. N. Murthy

Publication Identification:  International Book Distributors, Dehradun, India, 1986. 

Animal Behavior

Author / Editor / Creator:  John Paul Scott

Publication Identification:  University of Chicago Press, Second Edition, Revised.  1972

Discovery of Animal Behavior

Author: John Sparks

Publication Identification: Little Brown & Company.  1982.

Exploring Animal Behavior in Laboratory and Field : An Hypothesis-Testing Approach to the Development, Causation, Function, and Evolution of Animal Behavior

Author / Editor / Creator:  Bonnie J. Ploger and Ken Yasukawa

Publication Identification:  Elsevier Science & Technology.  2002.

Principles of Animal Behavior

Author / Editor / Creator:  William N. Tavolga

Publication Identification:  Harper & Row, First edition.  1969. 

Study of Instinct; The Animal in Its World, Volume 1, 1932-1972; Social Behavior in Animals

Author: Nikolaas Tinbergen

Publication Identification: Oxford University Press, Incorporated.  1989.

Publication Identification: Harvard University Press. 1975.

Publication Identification: Methuen & Co. LTD. 1975.

You are looking at one of my earliest attempts to preserve and document knowledge. Unlike the other books and magazines in my collection, these three books were photographed together rather than individually. I could easily retake the photographs to make them consistent with the rest of the website, but doing so would erase a small part of the project’s history. These photographs represent where I started, before I developed a more organized approach to documenting my collection. I believe there is value in preserving not only the knowledge contained in these books, but also the progression of my own efforts to preserve and share that knowledge.

The Friendly Beast: Latest Discoveries in Animal Behavior

Author: Vitus B. Dröscher

Publication Identification: E. P. Dutton & Company. 1971.

The Oxford Companion to Animal Behavior

Author / Editor / Creator:  David McFarland, editor

Publication Identification: Oxford University Press, First Edition, First Printing. 1987.

Time Life: Animal Behavior Life Nature Library

Author / Editor / Creator:  Life Nature Library

Publication Identification:  Time Life Books. 1965. 

Bats in Captivity

Bats in Captivity

Author: Susan M. Barnard

Publisher: Wild Ones Animal Books. Original work reported in 1991; my book is the revised edition 1995.  A later multi-volume series using the title began in 2009 and is distinct.

For those who may not know, bats are mammals, not reptiles. Although my passion is herpetology, particularly snakes, I have always found bats fascinating. Their ability to fly, navigate using echolocation, and adapt to remarkably different environments makes them interesting animals to study. While bats may seem out of place in a library devoted largely to reptiles, my curiosity about the natural world does not stop with snakes. Sometimes, an animal is simply too interesting, and dare I say, too cute, to ignore.