Thermophilic Microorganisms and Life at High Temperatures - Classic

In this review of Thermophilic Microorganisms and Life at High Temperatures, the reader will find a focused historical and scientific account aimed at researchers and serious students of microbial ecology. The book documents field and laboratory studies carried out from 1965 through 1975, with extended work at Yellowstone National Park and university laboratories, and the bottom line is that it delivers firsthand observations and taxonomic insights not often found in modern summaries. For those wanting primary-source detail on thermophiles and their ecology, this volume remains valuable.

Key Features

• Field research emphasis: Detailed descriptions of extended field work in Yellowstone provide context for understanding thermophile habitats and sampling methods.
• Laboratory investigations: Accounts of lab studies at Indiana University and the University of Wisconsin explain physiological and biochemical approaches used in the period.
• Ecology and evolution focus: The book attempts to link ecological observations with evolutionary relationships among thermophilic microorganisms.
• Taxonomic contributions: The text reports discovery and classification work, including the finding of four new genera of thermophiles during the project.
• Historical perspective: Coverage of research from 1965 to 1975 offers useful historical context for how thermophile studies developed over that decade.

Who It's For

This work is best suited for microbiologists, historians of science, graduate students, and librarians seeking a primary account of mid-20th century thermophile research. The review finds it particularly useful for readers who need original field observations and taxonomic descriptions rather than a modern textbook synthesis.

Those looking for an introductory textbook, step-by-step laboratory protocols with modern techniques, or a short popular overview should look elsewhere; the material is rooted in its era and assumes some background in microbial science and taxonomy.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Firsthand field narrative gives rare insight into sampling and ecological context for thermophiles.
• Documented laboratory work from established universities supports the scientific observations with experimental detail.
• Reports of new genera and taxonomic work make it a useful reference for specialists tracing nomenclature or lineage descriptions.

Cons

• The material reflects methods and terminology of the 1965-1975 period and may feel dated for readers seeking current molecular techniques.

Specifications

Title	Thermophilic Microorganisms and Life at High Temperatures
Series	Springer Series in Microbiology
Author	T.D. Brock
Primary field sites	Yellowstone National Park; W. Yellowstone field laboratory
Laboratory locations	Indiana University, Bloomington; University of Wisconsin, Madison
Research period	1965 through 1975
Notable outcomes	Discovery of four new genera of thermophilic microorganisms

Our Verdict

This book is a valuable historical and scientific resource for researchers and advanced students interested in thermophile ecology and taxonomy. It offers a depth of field observation and taxonomic reporting that justifies its value for specialist libraries and scholars, though those needing modern molecular perspectives should supplement it with recent literature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include field observations from Yellowstone?
Yes, it includes extensive field work centered on Yellowstone National Park and notes from a field laboratory in W. Yellowstone, Montana.

Are new taxa described in the book?
The research reported led to the discovery of four new genera of thermophilic microorganisms during the study period.

Is it suitable for beginners?
It is best for readers with some background in microbiology; beginners may find the period-specific methods and terminology challenging.