INTO THIN AIR – A HISTORY OF AVIATION MEDICINE IN THE RAF
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Characteristics
| Book cover finish | Hardcover ( rounded spine binding ) |
| Special features | Dust jacket |
| Condition | Used very good |
| Number of pages | 279 |
| Published date | First published in Great Britain 1984 |
| Language | English |
| Collection / Series | Wellcome Collection |
| Size | 21 x 29.7 cm |
| Author | T.M. GIBSON & M.H. HARRISON |
| Editor | Robert Hale Limited |
Description
This first comprehensive history of the development of aviation medicine in the United Kingdom for the general reader covers the subject from the first balloonists to the Falklands campaign, describing the exploits of pioneering aviators and scientists and the importance of the RAF Institute of Aviation Medicine at Farnborough founded in 1939.
It was the early balloonists of the 19th century who first drew the attention of the medical world to the hazards of altitude – cold and lack of oxygen. With the advent of the aeroplane came problems of vibration – so severe that it was impossible to read instruments, and acceleration which could cause temporary blindness. In the constant efforts to push back the limits of human tolerance, many have risked their lives and some have died: men such as Bill Stewart who blacked out over 200 times in flight experiments; Edgar Pask, who was thrown into a swimming pool, paralysed and anaesthetised, in order to test life preservers; and John Rawlins, who acted as a guinea pig in experiments on underwater ejection seats.
This book is also concerned with the ergonomics and psychology of flight, and discusses the contentious issues of morale and crew selection.
Written by two scientists who have both held senior positions at the RAF Institute of Aviation Medicine, this book brings new insights to the fascinating subject of flying.