John Mann - Böcker

This concise text provides a straightforward introduction to the chemistry involved in the biosynthesis of natural products. The first chapter explains the connections between primary and secondary metabolites, outlines the chemistry mediated by the major enzyme cofactors, and describes the methods for the elucidation of biosynthetic pathways. The different classes of secondary metabolites are then discussed, with emphasis placed on the pharmacological and toxiocological significance of the various compounds. The final chapter offers an insight into the ecological significance of a wide variety of natural products. Suggestions for further reading are provided.

In 1900 only a handful of drugs (morphine, quinine, aspirin, etc) had genuine efficacy but had little value for bacterial or viral infections or cancer. These conditions were usually untreatable. Now there are literally thousands of drugs which offer cures or greatly extended life-spans for those with life-threatening conditions. Life Saving Drugs: the Elusive Magic Bullet describes the discovery and development of antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-cancer drugs. The book highlights the colourful characters behind the inventions and the huge improvements in quality of life and life-expectancy that these drugs have produced. Emphasis is given to the new drugs that have emerged as a result of knowledge of the human genome, and the ways in which the newer drugs are being designed to tackle disease, particularly cancer, at the genetic level. Chemical structures are provided for all of the key drugs and the book is well illustrated. Life Saving Drugs: the Elusive Magic Bullet can be read as a history of drug development during the past 100 years by those with only a passing knowledge of chemistry. For anyone entering the medical profession, pharmacy, or nursing, it will provide a superb basic knowledge of all drugs they are ever likely to meet, including their modes of action. For the chemist or medicinal chemist, it will provide the fundamental knowledge of life-saving drugs that they all should know. And for the non-scientist who wants to know about 'super-bugs', SARS, Ebola, and all of the wonderful advances in treating cancer, it is illuminating and easy to read.

Long out-of-print yet often cited in psychedelic literature, THE BOOK OF SACRAMENTS, originally published in 1970, was a Holy book from the (now defunct) Church of the Tree of Life, established and incorporated by John Mann. A fundamental belief was that we have the right to alter our consciousness with plants extracts for medical, spiritual, and even recreational (re-creating) purposes. THE BOOK OF SACRAMENTS consists of introduction and discussion of several sacred plants, most still legal and easy to obtain, that have been used traditionally in religious (spiritual, consciousness expanding) rituals by native people. While the Church of the Tree of Life disbanded decades ago, the longing for a spiritual connection continues. One way to achieve such a connection with with the ritual use of magical plants. THE BOOK OF SACRAMENTS describes the ceremonial practices and rituals used by natives for thousands of years in some cases and gives guidelines for employing such practices in one's personal worship, including how to prepare the plant and oneself for the ritual. The mind has self-healing power. Spiritual experiences can lead to dramatic healing.Ritual is a method for organizing experience - mentally- and creating order around an inner experience to enable one to surrender to the experience without fear - due to the security provided by the repetitive and reliable ritual. The ritual helps to conjure up a frame of mind that is conducive to an ecstatic experience. When used properly ritual use of magical plants can open up new channels of awareness. The plants alone cannot bring about the desired results - the individual mind must be engaged. THE BOOK OF SACRAMENTS identifies over 20 magical plants for ritual use and tells how to prepare the potion and oneself for the journey and gives instructions for classic rituals as well as creating one's own variations. Finally it discusses how to process the experience afterwards to gain the maximum benefit from the journey.

David Scott was a priest-poet in the tradition of George Herbert, whose quiet faith and pastoral care found profound expression in his poetry. A beloved figure in Winchester, where he ministered for many years, David’s work resonates with timeless themes of human connection, spiritual depth, and the beauty of the everyday.Prepared in collaboration with David’s wife after his passing in 2022, Be Still, Be Silent offers an inviting introduction to his poetry. Each chapter reflects the tender nostalgia, deep empathy, and faith-filled insight that made David’s voice so unique and enduring.With a heartfelt introduction by Malcolm Guite, this volume celebrates David’s legacy, not only as a poet but as a soul who touched many lives. His words continue to inspire, offering moments of grace, reflection, and a reminder of the sacred in the ordinary.

Journeying to the Light is intended to be read daily through the period from Advent Sunday to the Epiphany.  It is largely based upon one of the Eucharistic readings each day.  There are variations, and it can be adapted to be used whatever the length of Advent, and for individual or group use.  The author weaves contemporary trends with biblical themes and with events of his own life.  It has at its heart the Incarnation; anticipated by the prophets; joyfully experienced through the words of Luke, and proclaimed to the nations through the visit of the Magi, as recorded by Matthew.            The author is an Anglican priest, but as this book is based upon the the Revised                                       Common Lectionary, it is ecumenical in its reach, as many of the readings coincide with those appointed for both the daily Mass in Roman Catholic Churches and in Anglican Churches.  Equally, the daily reflections, may be of use to all individuals who are seeking to establish a regular period of contemplation and space through Advent and    Christmas, which is traditionally full of distraction and busyness. Bishop Brendan Leahy is joined by Archbishop John McDowell of the Church of Ireland in commending the book for our use, and two Church of England bishops add their voices to suggest that a deepening of our reflection, throughout these days of joyous hope, helps us to seek further the source of the light that was coming to            humanity, that is Jesus, son of Mary, redeemer of the world. A Church-goer, a seeker after truth or, quite possibly in these tumultuous days, a Christian soul whose path has become darkened or distracted in recent years will find some thing in these pages to encourage them beyond written texts of any kind to set their eyes towards the light and their heart to the divine.

Timothy Leary's advice to "tune in, turn on and drop out" was a 1960s exhortation to experiment with LSD, but humans had been consuming ergot alkaloids related to lysergic acid diethylamide for at least a thousand years. Opium has been around even longer with its medicinal uses being known to the Ancient Sumerians as long ago as 3400 BC. This is the first book to cover all of the major psychoactive drugs (both natural and synthetic) in one volume, and the only one to cover all aspects of these drugs from their anthropological and sociological influences through to their chemistry and pharmacology. It covers a range of substances including LSD, opium, heroin, cocaine, cannabis, peyote, belladonna, mandrake, and absinthe. The book is highly readable and concentrates on the characters (e.g. authors, painters, pop stars, hippies, politicians and drug barons), both famous and infamous, who have ensured that psychoactive drugs hold an enduring fascination and interest for everyone. The basic chemistry and pharmacological activity covered together with a brief account of useful drugs that have emerged from a study of the psychoactive ones.