1 / 2Animal Electricity: How We Learned That the Body and Brain Are Electric Machines
Learned That Body Brain Machines: Animal Electricity by Robert Campenot explains how electrical processes in cells underpin nervous-system activity, from nerve impulses and heartbeats to sensation, learning, and movement. It combines scientific background with the history of discoveries about animal electricity, making it a nonfiction science book for readers interested in physiology and neuroscience.
At a glance
- Explains how ion movement across cell membranes creates electrical activity in the body.
- Connects nerve impulses and heartbeats with broader functions such as sensation, movement, awareness, and thinking.
- Traces ideas from historical concepts of animal spirits and Galvani's discoveries to modern neuroscience.
- Discusses electric eels, learning, and brain signals used to connect brains with limbs or prosthetic devices.
Reference price: $47.00
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- Brings physiological mechanisms and the history of scientific discovery together in one account.
- The listing says it provides scientific background intended to make the subject accessible to general readers.
- Its scope ranges from cellular ion currents to nervous-system research and possible applications.
Cons
- The broad historical and scientific scope may be less suitable for readers seeking a narrowly focused textbook or practical guide.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Harvard University Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | February 15, 2016 |
| Edition | Illustrated |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 352 pages |
| Weight listed | 1.44 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.12 x 1.14 x 9.25 inches |
| ISBN-10 | 9780674736818 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-0674736818 |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- General readers curious about how electrical activity relates to the body and brain.
- Readers interested in neuroscience, physiology, or the history of scientific discovery.
- Those looking for an overview that connects cellular processes with nervous-system functions.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a hands-on manual, a narrowly specialized reference, or a book focused only on one neuroscience topic.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
70% 70% - 4 stars
30% 30% - 3 stars
0% 0% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
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Aggregate ratings lean positive, with ratings in the four- and five-star categories. The small rating sample does not establish why readers responded as they did, so it offers limited guidance about the book's depth or accessibility for a particular reader.
Frequently asked questions
What does Animal Electricity cover?
The book covers electrical processes in cells and how these relate to animal nervous systems, alongside the historical discoveries that shaped current understanding.
Is the book aimed at general readers or specialists?
The listing describes it as providing scientific background to make the subject accessible to general readers, while also covering physiological mechanisms and research.
How long is this edition?
The listed illustrated edition has 352 pages.
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