The College of Optometrists

Why is it that very many text books are unreadable 'cos the super-bright accademic can't write for toffees - or s/he does not (appear to) understand the subject properly, after mugging it up. Also they pad out they volume with acres of references. A recent aquisition on immunology is nearly 10% references (mostly rubbish and old), and is so poor to read - is winding up on the car boot - can't read it! Sorry to moan - but this business is costing me a fortune! palfio

I think academics are encouraged to write in a particular style.Unfortunately for us mere mortals such a style is not always easy to read and even worse easy to understand and learn.It is tricky to get the balance right between academic and tabloid style writing.

We then ask the question -who are such books being written for?

Palfi, I disagree...not all academics are "super-bright." Also, references are important to help differentiate unfounded personal opinions from those based on rigorous evidence.

At least its better than pre-reg students writing in text language, or, heaven forbid, anyone else using these horrible abbreviations unnecessarily.

Mike,

I agree, Palfi I would suggest making your own short notes on a subject as you understand it and then cross referencing it with another book/article on the same subject to ensure you are correct.

As for the short hand text language, it gets right on my nerves even in text messages! Is English grammar still taught in schools these days?

A

yes I suppose so - I have now got into the book now - (mind you-I think the only way to learn ocular immunology is in a lecture theatre : the book is hard going)

but - I don't see the point of every comment he makes being referenced (sometimes back to 1986). I can't check such an ancient reference.

Okay abt students and their style.

Immunology - I understand your dilema Palfi. I looked into this once and it is very hard to understand because of the number of new words and abbreviations, the fact that many "bits" do more than one thing depending on their company and situation, and the seemingly high level of reduncency.

I have not come across a text book that describes the subject clearly.

PS

1986 is not that long ago. At this time MS windows, CDs and mobile phones were all available - though granted, Diego Maradona was, to England's demise, in his prime. I have previously referenced Alexander Flemming from 1922 for his indentification of lysozyme in tears. Interlectual copyright belongs to the first person with an idea, not the most accessible.

I will ignore "abt"