Fifteen years ago, fresh from graduate school and just starting on my first job as a field nutritionist for a piglet feed company in the Midwest region of the U.S., a client and friend gave me a piece of good advice, which I promptly ignored as I considered it superfluous. Fred, one of the most brilliant scientists I ever met, told me that he was making it a point to read at least one college textbook each year — just to refresh his basic knowledge on general science. I recall he was going to study physics that particular year.
As the years pass (too fast), and I get deeper and deeper in nutrition matters, I realize that some basic knowledge begins to fade due to lack of frequent use (aka, getting older). As it happens, when the need comes for some basic stuff, I find it difficult to cope without going back to my textbooks. So, with a significant time lapse, I believe I should heed Fred’s advice, and I will pledge to read the following three textbooks in 2017:
- Inorganic Chemistry, which I never liked, but always found it very useful. I do not think I need any new books here, as basic chemistry should have remained the same since last time we met!
- Applied Animal Nutrition, which I do like, and I have the perfect book for this, but I need to find out if Dr. Cheeke has published a new edition.
- Basic Immunology, and let’s be honest — there is nothing basic about immunology; it is all so impossible. But, I do need to get back to it, as it is the future. Here, I do need a new book.
If you happen to know of any good books that make reading a pleasant pastime instead of a chore, please do leave a comment below!
