A Civic Biology, Presented in Problems

An educational textbook written in the early 20th century. This work aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to biology, emphasizing the relationship between living organisms and their environments, particularly in urban contexts. The focus is on imparting knowledge that pertains to the improvement of civic life and the responsibilities of citizenship through an understanding of biological principles. The opening of the text establishes the purpose and structure of the course in biology. It begins by outlining the significance of studying biology, particularly human physiology, and its applications to personal health and the community's well-being. Hunter discusses how students will learn through problem-solving and inquiry-based methods, rather than rote memorization. He emphasizes the necessity of understanding one's environment and how to effectively improve it, aiming to cultivate informed and responsible citizens equipped to contribute to their communities. The introductory section sets up a framework that reinforces the central theme: the interconnectivity of life, human health, and civic responsibilities.