Caesars Gallic Wars

Sanders Walker Dr. Bishop Western Civilization 103-104 11/20/12 Caesars Conquest Caesar is known as one of the greatest military leaders in history. His was General and later, Ruler of Rome during its peak years. Caesar is known for his military strategy and conquest of much of ancient Europe. Where Caesar made a name for himself was his conquest of the Gauls. Caesars conquest of Gaul consisted of many campaigns throughout northern Europe; the most notable being the battles of Avaricum, Gergovia, and the final battle in Alesia.Caesar and Vercingetorix, the leader of the Gauls, were both similar in ambition. How does Caesar fair strategically against Vercingetorix and the Gauls at the battles of Avaricum, Gergovia and, Alesia? Caesars conquest of Gaul was indeed his most difficult one. Gaul consisted of dozens of tribes and much of the territory being Northern Europe had never been explored before by the Romans. A great amount of pressure was put on Caesar by himself to conquer Gaul.H e was in deep political debt to Rome and its leaders, and he saw the conquest of Gaul to the best way to get out of debt and make a name for himself. Caesar making the first [1]Triumvirate with Crassus and Pompey gained the power of the election and became consul for the year 59 B. C. During this year he was made, â€Å"Governor of Illyricum, or Dalmatia, and of Gaul, that is to say of Gallia Cisalpina† (Pg. 40), this land is really known as a Province that Caesar acquired. Caesar having acquired these lands, but not officially having control, sought to conquer the inhabitants.Caesar is described as, â€Å"In person he was tall and slight, but well-knit; and, if he was as licentious as the mass of his contemporaries, his constitution, fortified by abstemious habits, was capable of sustaining prodigious efforts. His broad dome-like skull ; his calm and penetrating eyes ; his aquiline nose ; his massive yet finely moulded jaw, expressed, like no other human countenance, a rich and harmonious nature, aâ‚ ¬Ã¢â‚¬  intellect, passion, will moving in accord. And, if his vices were common, his generosity, his forbearance, his [2]equanimity, his magnanimity were his own.He believed, with an unwavering faith, that above himself there was a power, without whose aid the strongest judgement, the most diligent calculation might fail. That power was Fortune; and Caesar was assured that Fortune was ever on his side† (Pg. 41). Caesar was extremely ambitious and refused to be undermined by his enemies, this is probably why his conquest against overwhelming odds was so successful. As Caesar dealt with his issues in Rome, there was word that newly acquired provinces in Gaul were going to be marched on by the Helvetti.Caesar left Rome as soon as possible, cutting through the Alps to reach the province of Geneva (Cisalpine/Transalpine province). Caesar legions linked up with the legion of that province and destroyed the bridge or Rhine leading to Geneva. Helvetii sent requests to pass through, but Caesar denied them. Caesar waited out the requests as levies were created and simply denied the crossing of the Helvetii. Some tried to force themselves over, but failed miserably in doing so. Caesar crossed back gathering more legions for his command.Caesar dispersed his legions with Lieutenants into different regions of Gual, with his plan being to divide the already disbanded Gallic tribes. Caesar returned to Rome and received great praise for his victory over the Helvetii. Caesar marches back towards northern Europe in 58 B. C where Ariovistus and his massive hordes of Germanic soldiers, had become a threat to Caesars campaign against the Gauls outside the town of Vesontio. The legions lacking rest and supplies and fearing Ariovistus, was taking its toll on Caesars men.A panic amongst the legionnaires ensued; Caesar immediately puts to work his persona. Giving a riveting speech to the legions, he regained the confidence overwhelmingly. There on ly several miles separating Caesar and Ariovistus, but many Cavalry skirmishes took place as Caesar tried time and again to force the Germanics to fight. Ariovistus requested several meetings with Caesar, the first resulting in failure due to lack of compromises, and the second because Caesar never attended. Ariovistus refused to fight before the New Moon, Caesar finding this out attacked early forcing the Germans to fight.Caesar having command of the right wing of the legions, had planned on attacking the opposing Germans left wing which was supposedly their weak point. Ariovistus and the German horde fell upon the Roman legions quickly leaving huge gaps between the legions. This prevented the Roman javelins to be thrown. The Germans formed a, â€Å"[3]phalanxes† (Pg. 66), which was a wall of men inclosing themselves in a shielded wall. The Romans made quick dismemberment of this wall of shields as the Romans, â€Å"Dug their swords down into them† (Pg. 66), leading t o the German left wing falling back.The left wing of the Roman legion however was beginning to give up ground. In command of the Caesars cavalry was Publius Crassus, the son of the famed triumvir Marcus Licinius Crassus. Publius Crassus led the 3rd line of the cavalry in and quickly rerouted the German onslaught on the Roman left wing. This led to the victory over Ariovistus and the Germanic army. With later victorious campaigns over Aquitani, Usipetes, Tencteri and Atuatuca from 56-54 B. C. Caesar believes Gaul is won and return to Rome to gain political power. While Caesar believed Gaul to be, â€Å"tranquillized† (Pg. 29), or rather under control as Caesar had planned to make all of Gaul a Roman province. The Gallic chieftains discussed in great detail of what was to become of Gaul if something was not done. A rumor quickly spread through Gaul in 52 B. C that Clodius had been murdered and violent riots broke out all over Gaul. The Gallic chieftains of Carnute made quick us e of time while Caesar was still in Rome; a small group of Carnutes stormed into the town of Cenabum and killed Roman merchants and a commissariat officer of Caesars as well.In the Gallic town of Gergovia, a young Gallic noble came to power. His name was Vercingetorix and he quickly assumed dominance throughout Gaul. Vercingetorix was very impressionable and ambitious, much like Caesar. He soon united all Gaul sparking a massive rebellion in 52 B. C. Caesar observed Vercingetorix and saw that he was vastly becoming a huge threat. Roman provinces in peril began to fall due to lack of supplies, But Caesar moved swiftly from Rome to rescue the provinces. Caesar stopped the invasion of Narbo. Caesar still needed to regroup with his legions in the north.Caesars being the brilliant military leader he was, planned to march north through mountains of [4]Cevennes into the land of Vercingetorix, where the land Agedincum was. The journey was rough for Caesars men under the harsh conditions of winter, but to Caesars advantage, Vercingetorix did not realize where the Romans were or where they were going. As Romans came through the mountains, â€Å"Caesar’s horsemen swept over the country in small parties, carrying fire and sword† (Pg. 135), Caesar anticipated that Vercingetorix would come to Agedincums relieve, and he did so reluctantly while Caesar proceeded north to regroup with his legions.Once Caesar had gathered his legions he awaited Vercingetorix next move. Vercingetorix recovered from the Romans strategic maneuvering, decided to go south, opposite of Caesars position and siege Gorgobina an allies of Caesars provinces. Vercingetorix figured this, â€Å"To strike at Caesar’s allies would be equivalent to striking at Caesar himself† (Pg. 136). This indeed was true it was imperative that Caesar could not lose the trust of his allies, but Caesar also knew that pursuing hundreds of miles south without enough supplies would put his legions at r isk of starvation. Caesar contemplated this and decided to relieve Gorgobina.Caesar instead of taking the same route he took to come north he went around in attempt for revenge for the massacre of Roman citizens. Caesar went about it, â€Å"More-over, by ravaging the lands of Carnutes and Bituriges, he might count on forcing Vercingetorix to relax his hold on Gorgobina† (Pg. 137). Caesar captured Vellaunodunum and approached Cenabum with rage as Romans set [5]Cenabum ablaze as supplies were given up to the legions while Caesar marched onwards to Avaricum. Vercingetorix believed the only way to weaken Caesars onslaught through his land was to burn and destroy any resources ahead of Caesar.The Gauls did not receive the news very optimistically. Burning down towns and crops was a harsh method of slowing down the Romans, but Vercingetorix got the Gauls to agree, with this speech he made, â€Å"They must make up their minds to sacrifice their own interest for the national weal. E very hamlet, every barn where the enemy could find provender must be burned to the ground. Even the towns must be destroyed, save those which were impregnable, lest they should tempt men who ought to be in the field to go to them for shelter, and lest the Romans plunder their stores† (Pg. 139).The Gauls still however thought to defend Avaricum rather than burn it to the ground. Avaricum was surrounded by walls and marshes and moats. Caesar made his encampment south of Avaricum several hundred yards out. Caesar realized the only way to siege Avaricum was to build siege towers and terraces. The marshes could not serve as proper platforms so, â€Å"in order to provide a secure foundation, the ground was cleared of obstructions and leveled as far as possible by men working inside stout huts† (Pg. 140). Wooden shields protected men relaying material through, â€Å"lines of sheds† (Pg. 40), as it was said to have taken several weeks to construct the towers. The effects of Vercingetorix burning of Gallic resources began to take its toll on Caesars legions. The Romans supplies began to dwindle and as Caesar sent men out to gather supplies and resources, Vercingetorix had patrols keep track of Caesars movements. Caesar was surrounded and while they waited to attack Avaricum, his men killed the cattle for food. Caesar did all he could to keep his legions spirits up, he would tell them, â€Å"He would abandon the siege† (Pg. 141), but the legionnaires were stubbornly loyal.A small attack was made on the towers, but only set the construction a day behind. The following day Caesar conducted his siege of Avaricum. The siege took no time at all with the Romans climbing the walls, they realized it was pointless to go down into the city, but rather, â€Å"They lined the wall round; and not a man of them would come down. Throwing away their weapons, the Gauls ran for their lives through the town to its furthest extremity; and there many jostling one another in the narrow gateways, were slaughtered, while others, who shouldered their way out were cut down by the cavalry† (Pg. 146).This was indeed a massacre by the Romans; no one was spared not man women or child. The Romans found a multitude of resources such as corn and other supplies. The Gauls were outraged by this massacre at [6]Avaricum. Caesar had hoped to break the Gallic pride with this victory, but it did quite the opposite. Vercingetorix following the massacre made a speech and a promise to Gaul. This speech gave Gaul a new found enragement and confidence. Caesar marched south to Gergovia, Vercingetorix homeland. Once Vercingetorix got word of Caesars movement he quickly destroyed all bridges along the river leaving only the bottom intact.As the Gauls caught up with Caesar, the Romans found it impossible to repair the bridges with the Gauls watching. Caesar was forced to come up with another diversion; under the cover of darkness he moved opposite of one of the b ridges, and in the morning, â€Å"he took forty out of the sixty cohorts, composing his force; arrayed them in six divisions, so that seen from a distance, they would look like the six legions† (Pg. 149). With Caesar outwitting Vercingetorix, he moved south toward the mountain of Gergovia.As Caesar approached Gergovia a cavalry skirmish ensues, but the Gallic cavalry of Vercingetorix is forced back in the stronghold of Gergovia. Gergovia was going to prove to be another difficult siege due to its geography, â€Å"The town stood on an oblong plateau, which formed the summit, extending about seven furlongs from east to west, and six hundred yards wide† (Pg. 150). The town also had an outer wall as well, but the weak point appeared to be the southern wall. There were two large encampments in Gergovia, the smallest was on the southern wall, while the main encampment was on the steepest part of Gergovian wall.Caesar under the cover of night had several divsions move up the southern wall having Vercingetorix think that was where the main attack would be. Caesars full-scale attack actually occurred on the eastern or steepest side with Vercingetorix largest encampment was. The Gauls were caught off guard, â€Å"but the Romans deceived by their armour, took them for enemies: the Gauls were closing in up them on every side† (Pg. 158). As the Romans became overwhelmed they came back down the southern hillside, the Gauls followed blindly, as the Gauls were struck by left and right flanks of Caesars [7]10th legion.The battle on the hill was devastating on sides, 46 centurions and approximately 700 legionnaire’s dead and thousands wounded. Caesar disbanded the siege and tried to return to Rome to regroup and gather supplies and men. After the Gergovia the people of Gaul still had their faith in Vercingetorix, he was re-elected Commander and Chief. Caesar is further planning his campaign decided to enlist a large number of German cavalry to his as sortment. During the entire Gallic Wars, Caesar has been outnumbered almost 3 to 1 and sometimes 4 to 1 odds, but Caesars strategy is what has been proving key in battles; the quality of men over numbers.As Caesar marches toward the provinces, Vercingetorix in a sudden ignorant act of boldness ascends his infantry and small cavalry head on attacking Caesars Roman legions. Caesar staying calm, â€Å"He sent his cavalry, in three divisions, to repel the triple attack† (Pg. 168). The Gauls retreated to Alesia with Caesars legions following close behind night and day. As the Romans reach Alesia Caesar informs his men that this battle will be a, â€Å"toilsome effort† (Pg. 170). Caesar realized that Alesia could only be taken by what he called, â€Å"a line of investment, fully nine miles in length, along which a ring of camps was constructed† (Pg. 70), this was a series of circumvallations: trenches, ramparts, entrenchments, and barriers built around Alesia with cav alry on low ground and legion infantry on high slopes. The Romans being few in number did not have enough men or cavalry to guard the surrounding blockade of Alesia. Vercingetorix realizing that he was being closed in with four Roman legions linking up with Caesars six legions, Vercingetorix had to get help somehow. Under the cover of darkness Vercingetorix sent out Gauls to every region and, â€Å"bring back with them every man who could wield a sword† (Pg. 171). He also reminded them not to abandon the Gallic cause.Caesar had been given news of Vercingetorix call for relief armies, by group of deserters. Caesar understood that he too was surrounded by all of Gaul, but it was still uncertain whether the relief armies would show up for Vercingetorix. Unlike the Romans who had proven loyalty and precision in battle, the Gauls even though united, were still undisciplined and lacked the skill of a Roman legionnaire. Caesar seeing the potential threat from the surrounding mountai ns proceeded to build entrenchments and barriers to his rear and on the western slope of Alesia where an open meadow was located.Caesars men made haste with the construction of barriers and traps like, â€Å"five rows of strong boughs were fixed in each, with one end protruding above ground, sharpened and with the branches projecting so as to form a kind of [8]abatis† (Pg. 139/Part I). Caesar also had traps under the ground surface, â€Å"In front of them and rising a few inches above the ground, but purposely concealed by brushwood, were sharp pointed logs embedded in small pits† (Pg. 139/Part I), as there were also barbed spikes lying under the turf. Caesar moved quickly to gather as much corn and resources as he could, knowing that this battle may very well be the last.Meanwhile inside the wall of Alesia Vercingetorix had the grain thrown into a single stock; as the grain would be dispersed among the soldiers rather than the citizens. A council of Gallic Chieftains gathered at an assembly to discuss Vercingetorix situation in Alesia and how he had requested a, â€Å"universal levy† (Pg. 173), or a mass of armies combined. It was heavily debated because many tribes were at conflict with Germanic tribes or resolving domestic problems; some simply refused to send any army. In all about 43 tribes joined in with a massive cavalry as well.Four generals were given command of the 250,000 Gauls as it was said there was, â€Å"No one leader of sufficient eminence to command universal respect† (Pg. 174), this would be proven decisively. As the relief army of Gaul marched towards Alesia, days away, the city was going into famine. The chieftains proposed the method of cannibalism as said, â€Å"That their fathers, when driven into the fastnesses by the Cimbri and Teutoni, had sustained life by feeding upon the flesh of those who were useless for warfare† (Pg. 175). It was rather decided that the weak, young, and old were citizens of th e town, were to be exiled.The hopeless looking women and children, and elderly came down to the Roman blockade. Caesars blockade forbid no-one to pass through; the exiled inhabitants were not taken in, instead Caesar had them sent back or stay between the lines of the wall and blockade to perish. The relief army soon arrives passing through the mountain valley, they could be seen from miles away as a mass of cavalry and infantry. Commius leading the Gallic mass launched a cavalry assault on Caesars rear defenses as Vercingetorix attacked from the inner defenses from [9]Alesia.The Roman legions held strong repelling the Gallic cavalry with Caesars brilliant defensive military strategy. The Romans formed a compact body of infantry and split the Gallic cavalry’s onslaught into disarray. The one major advantage the Caesar had over all the Gauls it was the reliable communication he had with his commanders of his legions. The Romans were on point and deadly, as the first day was wo n by Caesar. A 24 hour period of cease fire took place, and this time under the cover of darkness the Gauls launched a surprise attack on the Roman blockade using loud shouts to alert the rest of the Gallic army.The Gauls attempted to siege the blockade walls with grappling-hooks and ladders they attempted to overpower the blockades. In between the defensive lines the Gauls were dismembered by the wooden spikes and traps placed along the lines. Two sections of the Gallic army failed to cooperate with the rest of the mass due to poor [10]communication during the night. Roman artillery took apart the Gauls in between the defenses as casualties mounted because of poor effectiveness during the night raid. The Gauls retreated before dawn, fearing a flank from the right.Vercingetorix and Caesar refused to give into each other with casualties piling up on both parties, neither side budged. The soldiers of both sides were describes as they fought, â€Å"Every man fought like a hero; for th ey knew that from the heights around friends and enemies alike were anxiously watching† (Pg. 176). Vercingetorix and the Gauls planned for a final assault on the Romans. Vercingetorix discovered a weak spot in the Roman blockade where Caesars men were unable to build a barrier. The Gauls with no delay assaulted the weak point with 60,000 Gallic warriors against only two legions.The Romans became heavily overwhelmed and in disarray with 60,000 Gauls attacking from the rear and Vercingetorix army attacking from the inner walls. The Romans in panic and disorganization were described as, â€Å"painfully distracted by the roar of battle in their rear; for both on the inner and the outer line men felt, as they fought, that they would perish if their comrades behind suffered the enemy to break through† (Pg. 178). It was difficult for the Roman legions to mass together due to the overwhelming Gallic numbers. Vercassivellaunus, commanding the 60,000 Gauls from the rear; continua lly sent fresh infantry in.The Gallic infantry was disposable due the sheer numbers. Caesar seeing the disarray of the Romans and his cavalry sent Labienus with six cohorts to hold their ground till they were forced to fight in open ground. In astonishing fashion Caesar mounting horseback went down the Roman line as it was depicted, â€Å"riding down between the lines on to the plain, he harangued his weary soldiers and adjured them not to give in† (Pg. 179), continuing he said, â€Å"Just one short hour, and the prize was won† (Pg. 179). It was not until Caesar himself on horseback galloped steadfast, leading the last head on assault.A new found zealous came over the Roman legions as they followed behind Caesar, they disbanded the Gauls in a mass, scattering across the land. The Gauls to appease the Romans would have Vercingetorix give himself up and die. Vercingetorix gave himself up willingly out of respect for Caesar, being an admirer of his military brilliance. It was said that Vercingetorix, â€Å"took off his armour, laid down his sword, and bowed himself at Caesar’s feet† (Pg. 180). Caesar had no admiration for Vercingetorix as it came with a great cost. Caesar had him imprisoned in a dungeon, and then executed six ears later. The conquering of Gaul propelled Caesars political power tremendously. In 49 B. C he was elected dictator or emperor of Rome and soon after Civil war broke out eventually leading to Caesars killing. Caesar outwitted the ambitious and powerful, yet inexperienced Vercingetorix profoundly in the battles of Avaricum, Gergovia, and Alesia. Caesar conquered Gaul in such extraordinary fashion, that it still leaves some historians in amazement. Caesar outmaneuvered a quarter million Gauls and strategically dismantling them.Caesars reasoning for this long and grueling conquest of Gaul was to dig himself and Rome out of the debt that had amounted. His conquest of Gaul was also an attempt, a successful one at tha t, to further his political career and bolster his power. His victory in Rome, as said before, put Caesar on a pedestal surpassing Pompey and Crassus and making him the favorite amongst Roman people. Works Cited Holmes, Thomas. Caesar's conquest of Gaul. 1899. Print. . Julius, Caesar, W. A. McDevitte , and W. S. Bohn. The Gallic Wars . 1st. Print. . Julius, Caesar, W. A. McDevitte , and W. S. Bohn.The Gallic Wars . 3rd. Print. . Julius, Caesar, W. A. McDevitte , and W. S. Bohn. The Gallic Wars . 4th. Print. . Julius, Caesar, W. A. McDevitte , and W. S. Bohn. The Gallic Wars . 8th. Print. . Holmes, Thomas. Caesar's Conquest of Gaul:An Historical Narrative (being Part I of the Larger Work on the Same Subject). Part 1. Macmillan, ———————– [1] The First Triumvirate was between the Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey. An alliance to help bolster power for Caesar in particular. [2] Equanimity†¦one of Caesars great attributes being that he was very calm and poised in battle. 3] Phalanxes was a battle formation with consisted of shields and spears. The Romans used it very effectively against all. [pic] [4] The Cevennes Mountains are in south-central France. It is known as Hidden France by some. [5] Cenabum’s massacre was Caesars attempt at revenge as the town was pillaged. [6] The massacres of Cenabum and Avaricum specifically, was because of the difficulty Caesar had sieging the towns, thus frustration led to the killings. [7] The Roman 10th Legion was known as the Legio X Equestris and was one of Caesar more famous legions. 8] Abatis were used as barriers; they had long sharpened pointed logs. [9] â€Å"According to Napolean I (Precis des guerres de Cesar, 1836, p. 110), more than fifty days must have elapsed between the departure of Vercingetorix’s cavalry and the arrival of the relieving army† (Pg. 175) [10] Gaul having 4 commanding armies that totaled in a quarter million men made it Qy â⠂¬ËœÃ‚ »LiAOUaaaA ? â„ ¢  ¶ ? n w ? o? UO? UAU »Ã‚ ±Ã‚ §? â€Å"†°Ã¢â‚¬Å"oA|o_oRoRERhw? h42aCJ^JaJhw? h. â€Å"CJ^JaJjhyg? 0Jhw? h ®w†ºCJ^JaJhw? ho  CJ^extremely difficult for Vercingetorix to communicate successfully outside the walls.

Deception in Shakespeare’s MacBeth Essay

‘Your hand, your tongue: look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.’ (Shakespeare 1.5. 64-66) Throughout Shakespeare’s Macbeth, things are not always as they seem. Deception in this play is always present, especially with the main characters – Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth is the most skilled at persuading others, especially her husband, into believe things that are not true. The above quote, spoken by Lady Macbeth to her husband, shows exactly how manipulative and deceiving she can be. She is telling Macbeth to look and act pure, but to be evil inside. Macbeth, evidently led by his wife, but also by his own ambitions, is likewise guilty of deception. He deceives his best friend Banquo, King Duncan, as well as his public. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth also try to use denial and rationalization to deceive themselves. This self-deception leads to grave circumstances for them both. Macbeth is forced into further and further lies, making life difficult and unbearable. Lady Macbeth is also caught in the depths of deception and eventually kills herself. Therefore, it is obvious that the main characters of Shakespeare’s Macbeth are all negatively affected by the recurring theme of deception. Throughout the play, Lady Macbeth uses her ability to mislead others in many ways. First of all, she decides to use deception to push her husband’s ambition to be king. †¦Hie thee hither, that I may pour my spirits in thine ear, and chastise with the valour of my tongue all that impedes thee from the golden round†¦(1.5.25-28) Lady Macbeth believes that, to be successful in his ambitions, Macbeth must rise above his goodness and accept her evil ways. She knows that the process of making her husband believe what she wants may not be easy. Lady Macbeth has to be cunning, and she is up for the challenge. The thought of being in power – the King and Queen of Scotland – drives her and she cannot be stopped. Lady Macbeth often has to reinforce her immoral beliefs to her husband, giving him a boost. Was the hope drunk, wherein you dressed yourself? hath it slept since, and  wakes it now, to look so green and pale at what it did so freely? From this time such I account thy love. Art thou afeard to be the same in thine own act and valour, as thou art desire? Wouldst thous have that which thou esteem’st the ornament of life, and live a coward in thine own esteem, letting ‘I dare not’ wait upon ‘I would,’ Like the poor cat I’the adage?'(1.7.35-42) Lady Macbeth implies that Macbeth is being cowardly by not going after what he wants. She preys upon her husband’s pride to remind him of his ambitions. Once she has schooled her husband in the art of deception, she must help him uphold this image and the lies. This deceit always results in hazardous outcomes. Although Lady Macbeth is the most talented deceiver, Macbeth is also lead into committing his own deceptions. He begins to learn from his wife, and, in turn, proceeds to deceive many others. Deceiving his friends becomes a frequent habit, and Macbeth is forced to continue his lies and stories. Do not muse at me, my most worthy friends; I have a strange  infirmity, which is nothing to those that know me. Come, love  and health to all; then I’ll sit down. – Give me some wine: fill  full: – I drink to the general joy of the whole table, and to our  dear friend Banquo, whom we miss; would he were here. (3.4.84-91) This falsehood is evident, as Macbeth is trying to fool his dinner guests about the reasons for his strange behaviour. Pretending that everything is fine eventually does not work, and as the play continues, so does the deception on many different levels. Deceiving others may seem difficult, but deceiving oneself leads to even bigger problems. Lady Macbeth is so occupied with trying to mislead others,  while rationalizing the deception to herself and her husband, that she does not notice how much the guilt is building. She finally gets so caught up in the deception game, that she cannot take it anymore. Lady Macbeth’s worry that people are no longer falling for their deceptive ways, comes out in one of her mad ramblings in front of the doctor: ‘†¦What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our power to account?'(5.1.35-37). Though she is trying to be bold, saying that she does not care who knows what they have done, the statement proves that she does fear being detected. In the end, Lady Macbeth’s guilt over all of the lies gets the better of her. She goes mad, sleepwalking and rambling about the murders. ‘Wash your hands, put on your night-gown; look not so pale. – I tell you yet again, Banquo’s buried: he cannot come out on’s grave.'(5.1.58-60) The deception that Lady Macbeth once prided herself on, lead to the self-deception, which then lead to her death when she committed suicide. Macbeth is also in over his head, and his mind starts to play tricks on him on more than one occasion: Is this a dagger I see before me, the handle toward my hand? Come let me clutch thee: I have thee not, and yet I see thee still.(2.1.33-36) †¦art thou but a dagger of the mind, a false creation, proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain?(2.1.37-39) Macbeth’s state of mind is not that of a normal man. He is trying so hard to go against his nature, convincing himself that deception is the only way to be King. The deceit does take its toll: ‘O! full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!'(3.2.36) Macbeth becomes imprisoned by his illusions caused by the build up of denial and self-deception. Banquo’s ghost is an example of these illusions. ‘†¦Take any shape but that [Banquo’s] and my firm nerves shall never tremble: or , be alive again†¦'(3.4.103-104) Macbeth’s inner struggle is coming out and, because his mind is in such a state, he can no longer control his behavior. Like his wife, Macbeth’s own inner deception has made him crazy. Macbeth goes from being a noble warrior with honest ambition, to someone that cannot even control his own thoughts anymore, due  to all of the deception. From the end results of the play, we can clearly see how deception ruins lives. Shakespeare shows the audience that misleading others – and oneself, is not honorable nor the way to get ahead. Lady Macbeth’s ability to seduce her husband into having immoral thoughts, leading to immoral actions to gain power, does not pay off. Macbeth’s learned evilness and deception also affects him negatively, and the quest to be king is tragic. Self-deception is the worst kind of deceit, as we can see that the guilt becomes overwhelming, causing insanity. Evil deception of any kind is clearly harmful and a valid moral lesson can be taken from this play. BIBLIOGRAPHY Shakespeare, William. MACBETH. England: Longman Group UK Limited, 1986.

Biodegradable Plastics Essay Example for Free

Biodegradable Plastics Essay The properties of plastics are determined by the polymers that constitute the unit. Based on this, plastics can be modified into biodegradable products by varying the constituents synthetically. Their chemical structures vary due to the substituting polyesters in the polymer chain. Let’s study about the chemical differences and structure of green plastics; PHA and PLA. Amylose and Amylopectin are the major polymer components of starch. In the link structure, all identical chain points are connected to –CH2OH group. The oxygen in the ring structure chain facilitates degradation when reacted with water. Any hybrid variety can be produced with two components: renewable natural polymer (starch) and petroleum based synthetic polymer (PCL). †¢ Polylactide (PLA) is a bioplastic basically made from starch, the basic building material. Here lactic acid (CH3CHOHCOOH) is produced through fermentation where microorganisms convert sugar feedstock into lactic acid. The lactic acid thus isolated is depolymerized to lactide and by Ring-opening polymerization with catalysts it is converted into Polylactide polymer of high molecular weight. Based on the particle size, the rate of biodegradability and transparency varies. They find use in soluble fibers, compose bags and renewable products. †¢ Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) polymers are produced naturally by microorganisms directly from sugar feedstock. The polymer is isolated, purified and processed. These components can be controlled by varying the ratio of sugar feedstock. Synthesized PHA is copolyester composed of 3-hydroxy fatty acids hydroxybuterate, hydroxyvalerate and hydroxyhexanoate. In all PHAs the hydroxyl substituted carbon atom is steriochemical -R configuration. Since they are composed of short chain and long chain length –R groups, they are used for a variety of commercial applications. References Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2007, Pp 1437-1449 Stevens, E. S. , Green Plastics: An introduction to the New Science of Biodegradable Plastics, Princeton University Press, 2003 Biodegradable Plastics. (2016, Oct 08).

Emancipation Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln Essay

Emancipation Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln - Essay Example Although the emancipation proclamation was intended to set free the slaves in the country, the decree did not immediately grant the freed persons automatic citizenship and subsequent rights. One of the immediate repercussions of the proclamation was the loss of property especially in the southern states that relied heavily on slaves for labor in the agricultural farms and plantations. The property owners were not compensated an outcome that elicited legal objection because it was unconstitutional and an abuse of power by the executive upon the American citizens (Burrus, 27) Burrus (34) traces the drafting of emancipation proclamation to Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts. According to Burrus, Senator Charles Sumner was a prominent republican, whose zealous opposition to slavery and firm political conviction endeared him to President Abraham Lincoln. The progress of the confederate army to Fort Sumter became a matter of outmost concern to the senator and he urged the president to invoke the powers bestowed upon him by the US constitution as the commander in chief of the army and the navy (55). Allen(72),argues that the senator reasoned that as the commander in chief of the United States military, the president had the authority to contain the rebel states using any method necessary, including ordering the release of all slaves in the confederates’ possession. However, the president had earlier declared that he did not intend to interfere with slavery in states that still upheld the practice, especially in the south (Franklin, 37). The president’s declaration to maintain the status quo was mainly motivated by the conviction that he did not have legal grounds for taking such action (Burrus, 42). Senator Sumner’s assertion that the president could use his powers was based on the arguments of former president, John Quincy Adams who had earlier declared that laws of war permitted army commanders to liberate slaves in a territory that had bee n invaded by an enemy (Burrus, 95). This assertion therefore permitted the commander in chief of the country and the American government by extension to undertake military intervention inside and outside the United States territory. Allen (84) argues that these developments formed the basis of the â€Å"law of war† that gives the president constitutional right to take any action necessary during times of war for the interests of the country. In spite of the debate about the legality of the emancipation proclamation, it definitely accorded the union army the motivation to triumph over the confederates in the civil war. Franklin argues that president Abraham Lincoln did not have the intention of having the proclamation entrenched in the United States constitution. However, in 1865, declarations contained in the emancipation proclamation were included the country’s constitution, in the Thirteenth Amendment (90). After declaration of the emancipation proclamation, immediat e impacts were noted in the military structure of the confederates that had largely restricted the role of slaves to non-combat duties during the civil war. Shortly after the proclamation, many slaves were released in the Union controlled territories such as North Carolina during the battle. The Confederate army encountered large-scale desertions by the blacks, denying it much

Organic is the solution Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Organic is the solution - Research Paper Example Over the years, consumer behavior has been observed that seeks low prices for food items as consumers spend more money frequently on food items as compared to any other product. This has created a huge demand for inorganic foods in the market. The purpose of this report is to provide useful information about the use and availability of organic food items. In this action research report, findings from a personal visit to Wal-Mart store are presented regarding availability and other factors affecting sale of organic foods. This would allow generalization of findings related to lower demand for organic foods and also, set out recommendations for boosting their consumption. A general understanding about organic foods is that they cost more than inorganic foods to purchase. There are several reasons for organic foods to be more expensive. These are not only related to the cost of production, but also to various factors, which indirectly affect production of organic foods. Limited availabi lity of land restricts supply, which causes rises in price. Low turnover per employee working on the farm results in higher costs of production. Limited supply has direct effect on the transportation and distribution costs (FAO). In the US, organic food producers are required to obtain a certificate from US Department of Agriculture, which is very expensive to attain. The pre-requisites of this certificate require producers to have new equipment and methods to ensure consumer safety and maintain the standards of quality (Canavari and Olson). This adds to the costs of producing organic foods. At Wal-Mart, the phenomenon of higher costs and pricing is observed. The data for different food items both organic and non-organic are compared and it is clear that for the same product the price of organically produced item is higher than that of non-organic foods. For example, at Wal-mart, Avocados-Hass (non-organic) is sold at a price of $0.99 per unit; whereas, the price of Avocados-Hass (o rganic) is $1.61 per unit. It has been noted that all food retailers including major supermarkets or corner shops display and sell inorganic foods with limited space provided for organic foods. The display of organic food items in the store plays an important role in attracting customers. Since, the consumer choice of organic items is limited therefore, it is important for retailers to invest in adjusting designs of their stores to display organic items clearly. All major retail markers have clearly designated areas for shelving organic items. Although, Wal-Mart has clearly placed signs for organic items, but genetically modified products are also shelved very near to organic food items, which often confuses consumers and they end buying products that are not organic. Moreover, there is a lack of marketing and advertisements of organic products in the store. In comparison, non-organic products and brands are displayed in visible areas of the store. There is a common agreement on the view that organic food items are beneficial for humans as they are free from industrial chemicals and preservatives, which increase the age of non-organic food items (Givens; Langley). However, there is a limitation to this as the shelf life of organic food items is short. Since, the supply of organic food items is slower as compared to the demand therefore it becomes difficult for stores to replenish their empty shelves. For retail stores, empty shelves are considered as their loss as unsatisfied customers shift to other retail

EIA Case 1, EIA SLP 1, EIA Case 2, EIA Case 3, EIA SLP 3, EIA Case 4, Essay

EIA Case 1, EIA SLP 1, EIA Case 2, EIA Case 3, EIA SLP 3, EIA Case 4, EIA SLP 4 - Essay Example Generally, more industrialized and economically developed societies have lower fertility than agricultural, less developed societies. Also, within countries, generally, more educated groups with higher incomes have lower fertility than less educated groups with lower incomes. Historically, as groups within countries have improved their living standards, and nations have become more economically developed, health conditions have improved, morbidity and mortality have declined, and fertility has declined due to the adoption of fertility-constraining behaviors, such as the limitation of sexual relations or marriage, practice of contraception, and resort to induced abortion." The biggest gap between those women who are in need of infertility treatment and those who actually receive it exists because, in addition to the aforementioned issues, some women just never take the steps to seek it. This can occur for a variety of reasons. According to Ramsey (2000, pg. 1), "A lot of times, when to seek the fertility treatments depends upon a woman's age and upon her doctor. But, if a woman will seriously take control of the situation - by first seeing a doctor, preferably an obstetrician (a doctor who specializes in the care of pregnant women), before she even starts trying to conceive, to make sure she is in optimum health - is an excellent starting point. This, of course, does not guarantee success right away. This simply acts as the springboard for the road to conception." Three causes of female infertility are functional causes, anatomic causes, and psychosocial problems. Functional problems can occur within a woman's highly complex hormonal system and cause infertility. Anatomic problems can occur within a woman's ovaries, uterus, tubes, cervix, or thyroid gland and cause infertility. The presence, either present or past, of sexually transmitted diseases in a woman's anatomy can cause infertility. Psychosocial problems can cause infertility because of stress, but more often than not, they actually occur as a result of infertility (World Health Organization, 2008). There are a number of factors that can cause or contribute to male infertility, which as previously mentioned, makes up 30-40% of all cases of infertility. These include disorders attributed to his varicocele, disorders of his semen, abnormal or immature sperm being produced, systemic disease, sexually transmitted or other genital diseases, testicular disorders, genetic disorders, immunologic disorders, endocrine disorders, the presence of drugs or chemicals in his system, erectile dysfunction, libido problems, ejaculatory problems, age, injury, and occupation (World Health Organization, 2008). EIA SLP 1: Policy and Advocacy This SLP will focus on infertility in the state of Texas. This state was chosen primarily because of its size and the belief that many options would be available to a wide range of women in the state. Therefore, choosing Texas might provide a wider standpoint from which to determine exactly what options are out there on the state level for women seeking infertility treatment. Of course, this is not known to be true as of this point, but will be determined at a later

Financial Statement Analysis Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Financial Statement Analysis - Coursework Example It can also be defined as a strategy by which a firm buys its own shares, with an aim of reducing outstanding shares (Baker, 2009 p. 268). Firms issue stock repurchases due to the following reasons. It leads to increase in earnings per share, earning per share can be defined as the proportion of firms profits allocated to every outstanding share. The reasoning behind it is that when the number of outstanding shares decreases the earnings per share increase. When a company earnings increase it builds a positive image of the firm and financial stability of the is also boosted. It elevates the value of remaining ordinary shares, the value of the remaining shares increases. When a company repurchases shares, the remaining shares gain value as dilution decreases. This makes a company to boost its financial stability, in a means that does not affect the company adversely, because there is no additional debt (Baker, 2009 p. 174). It’s also a method to earn more returns, the management of the company may decide to buy their own company shares when they are undervalued, and sell them when their prices increases in order to reflect the true value of the company. This helps a firm from takeovers or be acquired by other firms. It leads to investing the excess cash the company has on its own stock. The management makes use of the companys excess cash by investing in their own stock. This is because the management believes that the cash invested in their own company is less risky and have higher return compared to other investments. It leads to lower taxes, when a firm uses excess cash to buy back stock instead of paying dividends, the shareholders are in a position to defer capital gains and taxes especially when there is an increase in stock prices. Dividends declared to shareholders are regarded as income and therefore taxable as ordinary income. Therefore, shareholders are advantaged. Earnings per share can be defined as a measure of

Terry V Ohio case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Terry V Ohio - Case Study Example The detective observed John Terry and Richard Chilton standing on a street corner. They were seen walking back and forth alternately using the same route and stopping to stare at a store in the street. This was done five or six times by each individual leading to a walk up and down the street about twelve times. Each time this walk was over they would pause and talk to each other. During one of these trips in front of the store, a third man joined the two and spoke to them for a brief period before leaving. Identified as Katz, the detective felt this was a set-up for holding up the store, especially when all three individuals rejoined a few blocks away from the store. McFadden then went up to the three men and asked them their names. They were unable to give an answer which created further suspicion in the officer’s mind. The officer quickly reached out to pat the clothes of one of these men during which he came upon a gun in Terry’s overcoat pocket. Reaching inside to remove the gun, McFadden was unable to grasp it and take it out. Thus, he asked Terry to remove the coat itself. This allowed him to take out the revolver. Ordering the men to face the wall with their arms raised the officer was able to check the clothing of the other two men: Katz and Chilton. Chilton too was found carrying a gun. During the pat-down the officer had not been able to find anything on Katz which is why the outer garments of this individual were not checked. Terry and Chilton had been given the same pat-down but upon discovering the weapons., the officer put his hands under their garments to remove the guns. Taking the three men with him to the police station, they were charged with carrying concealed weapons. The defendants of these three individuals then used the seizure and search of the weapons as a violation of the Fourth Amendment. This amendment is part of the Bill of Rights in the United States constitution and protects individuals from irrational seizures and searches. According to this amendment a search warrant has to present to the individual before they can be checked otherwise it will be abusing the law. This warrant also has to be presented by a court that must be given proper reason for its issuing. The importance of this warrant is such that anyone who disobeys it or gives it for an unreasonable cause will also be held accountable in court Thus, under this view the defendants presented their clients as being wrongfully abused by the law. Chief Justice Warren presided over this case and began with the principles established in the Fourth Amendment. The first was that the Fourth Amendment was responsible for protecting people, rather than places and thus gave as much protection to the citizen on the street as to the one at home (Legal Information Institute). Thus, the Court now had to decide whether it was illegal for the officer to check these men without warrant. The problem that arose was the idea of stop and frisk which had occasionally been used by police officers to check suspicious individuals. The problem was that giving the officers so much power without a legal justification could lead to violation of personal security and abuse of authority. The police officers felt that this move was necessary to prevent situations could become dangerous and this stop

Internal Consumer Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Internal Consumer Behavior - Essay Example This set of characteristics or can said to be the personality of an individual. Since the late 19th-century personality study has emerged as the sole way to understand a person and almost every discipline that is related to social study or human relations, in the modern times, is trying to represent their points from the perspective of personality analysis of individuals. (Gilbert and Connolly, 1991, 23) The 19th and 20th century has witnessed great progress in the field of personality analysis and several famous figures have appeared in this arena who have interpreted human psychology in their own ways and it has helped them to come up with different types of personality theory. Results of such analysis have been used in various disciplines of human actions, starting from literature to selling of products. Among various other disciplines personality theories proved to be a boon for the business houses and industrialists and these theories opened up different avenues to them through with they started reaching people in the way that was never experienced before. Analysis of the personality theories helped the business house to understand their consumerist traits and they started to launch their products according to the desire of the mass. At the same time, various innovations were also implemented to the methods of advertising and the business groups, in order to expand their consume r circle, used advertisement so that it can capitalize over personality traits of an individual. The personality theories can be classified into seven major divisions, namely, a) Trait theories, b) Type theories, c) Psychoanalytic theories, d) Behaviorist theories, e) Social cognitive theory, f) Humanistic theory and g) Biopsychological theories. (Awrshay, 1971)

Jose Rizal Epic Poem Essay Example for Free

Jose Rizal Epic Poem Essay A natural hero was born on 1861 His name was Jose Rizal A gifted child who studied foreign languages This great hero was the founder of La Liga Filipina. During his lifetime there was a war The Philippines was shattered to the ground.. Many uprisings were fought against the Spaniards! All of it failed until the Noble Jose Rizal came. His divine weapon was not a sword nor a gun But a small pen. A pen so great it united the Filipinos. His words inspired the hearts of all It spread all over the country like a wild fire The Spaniards heard it just like a wind whispering to them They locked Jose Rizal in a dark tiny chamber in a basement They tortured him.. Oh poor sir Jose Rizal.. Yet his hated grows and burns within his soul The Filipinos planned to free him They had worked so hard.. and it succeeded! Jose sighed.. What a beautiful sight But he said â€Å" Ill stay here to represent our nation† Andres Bonifacio another great hero said.. Are you sure Jose? And Jose replied with all my heart yes I am.. The Spaniards came with an army so great They have to leave Jose Rizal to the hands of the Evil Spaniards They confine him with a great heavy chains Tormented his life for trying to escape And one day the government ordered his death His death day was on December 30, 1896 There he was standing alone under the heavy rain Behind him a hundred gunman to shoot him dead. The leader shouted Fire! and then a gun echoed in the area, the Heroic Jose Rizal was shot in the back.. his eye sight blurred for the last time He felt the pain starts to erupt up to his spine he breathe for the very last time He looked up into the misty sky collapsing facing the gunman There he was lying dead on the bloody ground The Clouds weeps for his death All the Filipinos who watched him get shot screamed No! His death inflamed the hearts of the Filipinos

Childcare Act 2006 in a Childcare Setting

Childcare Act 2006 in a Childcare Setting Childcare Act 2006 Introducing provision relating to the authorities of duties/action of the well-being and improvement care of young children. The Act Introduced by parliament was passed to define/introduce leadership authority for the intentions of evolving; Every Child Matters programme (launched 2003 via Victoria Climbie story) Improving childcare/safety. Available Childminding facilities. Child providers Training and advice service. Parental upbringing information service. The act is structured with four sections of order; Sections One; Authorities located in England Two; Authorities located in Wales Three; Acquirements inspections made for childcare providers in England. Four; General provisions. The Early years foundation stage (EYFS) lies within section 39-48. This section act authorises high quality education/childcare for children aged 0-5 years including minimising equalities within children via the existing assistance of job centre plus/NHS. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Childcare_Act_2006 Poverty The Act introduced is to enforce the protection of children. Every Child Matters Foundation provides protection of Safety, Promotion of Health, economic well-being, achieving standards, Positive attitude, Including promotion of equality amongst others. Childcare Act 2006 aims to reduce poverty supporting parents to work increases the childs environments and living reducing inequalities among children most at risk of poverty via deprivation/disadvantages promoting social mobility. Every child matters foundation set standards for the well-being of young children ensuring safety/health/economic/well-being/Achievements and Positive self steam. Legal Requirements for childcare providers are published via Ofsted under Statutory Framework for the Early years foundation stage EYFS. The Statutory framework stage within the EYFS has a number of requirements sectored. Involving; School leaders/staff Childcare providers/childminders Nurseries Pre-schools/playgroups childminding settings Maintained/non-maintained and private schools Developments Learning/development Welfare Additional legal information Regulation information assessment scales legal information in relation for adult to children ratio. The Framework provides direction/order to ensure all early year providers are meeting expectations for growth intellectual/physical developments required for when they enrol for mainstream school. Including the health/safety of the children. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework Learning/development requirements The authorised requirements MUST be met by the provider. The type of childcare setting/children all need to be put into considered while requirements are being pursued. Resources to ensure this are accessed via internet access: (http:/www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file) Development requirements childcare Act 2006 Early learning expectations. The child should hit the target of development/achieve; Knowledge/skills/comprehension of the standards that a child should reach by the age of five. Education Programmes skills/processes lectured by the provider. Assessment arrangements structured for the continuation of achievements. Learning standards/expectation Supporting Personal, Social and Emotional Development is a standard set to support development of skills; Self Confidence/learning/communication/sociability skills for future friendships and confidence. Comprehension of their environment is a development educed to expand fact/theory of their surroundings, also influencing the learning of technology/individuals and other areas. Physical Development; This is an imperative stage of development as children should always be subjected to activities influencing/permitting physical activity. Improving their co-ordination/physical strength. Also providing an education on the benefits to themselves via participation leading to a healthy lifestyle and a variety of good food options/benefits. Mathematics; This is a standard targeted to introduce numbers to the child for prior knowledge for enrolment of when mainstream school commences. Involving; Configuring shapes/measurements. Numeracy via Counting objects/addition and subtraction problem solving. Literacy: This standard can be influenced through using Books/reading magazines/Television subtitles. Poems should be introduced as the sounds of rhyming words, a terrific influence to remembering words/sounds. Introducing writing skills; letters to the sound can be a great start to early writing skills. Expressive Arts and design: Creative play is a form of educational play for children to produce Self confidence, Understanding of the role/express feeling. This can involve role play/Dance/Art work/performance or music. Assessments This is a requirement made to observe any target standards made by Statutory Framework for early years have been met or made progress. During the assessment observations are documented evidence which is recorded via the childcare provider. There also needs to parental contribution made for communication between provider/parent. The Legal requirements are established by the Statutory Framework for early years foundation stage. To ensure the well-being of safe guarding children. The requirements focus on the promotion of the childs welfare within the setting; The childcare providers are all CRB checked and suitable. Environment, Equipment and Premises are to standard. Documentation is clearly constructed. Organised forms of education for learning, emotional, social, physical and interlectual development are in operation. Legal requirements for safe guarding children involves met/passed standards; Information of complaints documented Premises and security Outings Equality of opportunities Medication Illness/injury Food/Drink Smoking Behaviour management Safe recruitment (CRB checked) Correct Number of staff for children Risk assessments Premises. Respecting/valuing individuality The understanding of each individuals personality can be taught from a early stage. It is important from a young age for each child to realise and understand that each person is different and may have a respectful difference of opinion. The influence of their elders impact a child perspective greatly as of which it is of vast importance to set good values for the child to develop good characteristics becoming a decent member of society. Children are influenced how to behave via their elders, as a child learns via observational skills. Setting a good example of how to behave is important as it can greatly affect the upbringing of the childs behaviour/personality. The childcare setting surroundings should advertise images of positive perception of the world including all cultures as a human race and mother nature. To promote individuality there should also be access to role play, toys, and electronics. Their maybe a Varity of practiced cultures within the childcare setting. Therefore its a good idea to introduce a monthly cultural lesson on any cultures present within the group so children can understand the differences between cultures, using the foods, animals, preparations, weather, clothing is used and why!. The cultural lessons can educate the child to enhance their intellectual/emotional and social development as it influences children to talk about the way they live inviting a group discussion. Achievement days/awards are extremely effective upon the childs self confidence as the award presents the childs achievement/s. An award/award chart leading to an award day may influence the child to work towards the award for self satisfaction of learning or behaviour. The awards day can also be via the involvement of outside activity hobbies, Swimming/dance/football clubs, which can be discussed within the setting, promoting information on possible outside activities permitting children to express their excitement of their achievements. Group work is essential to child social development as it concentrates on communication/structuring ideas/problem solving and compromising with others. Role play is a great way to promote group communication as there has to be discussion/agreement in who plays which role, confidence with discussions, understanding the roll and discussing it and respecting all thoughts/theories. Personal values can be influenced via good routines, interaction within a good/comfortable setting, such as story time, understanding when to listen and the appropriate time to proclaim their thoughts via showing understanding of the concept. Positive/Negative Behaviour From day one a child is effected by his/her environment. As the child develops there are boundaries needed to be put into place to ensure positive behaviour development, as the child understands right from wrong therefore grasps an understanding of the correct responses/actions. without the examples the child can develop negative behaviour and become confused. Boundaries permit the childs understanding of how to behave therefore understand that if rules are not practiced there will be consequences. The child need to understand whats right or wrong as negative action can put others at risk such as pushing another child or smacking/biting. without consequences a child will not comprehend the action is wrong or will take liberties. Rewarding a positive action/praise is a well achieved award or emotion for reaching/gaining credibility at any stage of development/age i.e. If a child is successful with potty training/behaviour or socialising. Awards/praise influence children to achieve/progress goals. The outcome to the award method is so the child eventually doesnt rely on a form of award and continues to proceed with positive actions, this is where a disciplinary act should be put into motion if any negative behaviour become apparent, if the child out steps their boundaries then a cause of action should be solicited; The naughty step (minutes time out for the duration of the childs age) or no favourite food/book to read. If no action is taken the child could proceed with negative behaviour/anger problems. A group discussion of behaviour expectations should be an active source of communication between peers/providers to ensure a friendly/happy/safe environment. Negative behaviour: create a adverse impact on the childcare environment for everyone present. The victim of the situation can become very distressed/upset effecting child/provider. The incident should be addressed (by the provider) as soon as possible as the child/children of cause will be able to comprehend where they have stepped out of line. The provider will have to explain where the child went wrong, as just saying NO will not deliver the insight of what they did wrong. The provider needs to introduce boundaries within the childcare setting to enforces the correct expectation of behaviour. Awarding the child for good behaviour needs to be introduced and is just as important as discipline. Even though negative behaviour is more apparent to good behaviour, applauded good behaviour can encourage children to want recognition/positive response from his/her providers/parents and peers, even though discipline needs to be an active consequence, sometimes on minor instances if the child gains no response then the child will learn he/she wont gain the required attention. Otherwise if little/no good behaviour is acknowledged the child will always feel like they are naughty and lack enthusiasm for improvement. If good behaviour is applauded then this will encourage future good behaviour eventually become a positive impact improving the childs actions. It is imperative to be consistent with the message being preached to the child involving positive/negative behaviour, even a simple mistake can influence the wrong message so clarity/consistency is highly important. A positive attitude from the provider can determine the atmospheres positive or negative vibe, this can create a happy/safe positive environment for the children/providers or a negative/unhappy one. Its of great importance the child feels safe/inspired/happy within their childcare setting. Conflict management between children/adults Unfortunately conflict occurs within every childcare setting, It is the way it is addressed which leads to a positive/negative standard of care. A conflict can be present between children or a child struggling to except the providers authority. John Broadus Watson An American psychologist whom established the psychological school of behaviourism. Watson was the author of Psychological Care of Infant and Child in 1928. Watson believed children should be treated as a young adult. He proclaimed that the inevitable dangers of a mother providing too much love and affection can provide a negative impact upon the childs future, He proclaimed that the love affection response was conditioned love. Impacting the future generations by mentioning Invalidism proclaiming that society doesnt show high affection to the developing older children/young adulthood within the real world, therefore parents/careers should not deliver high expectations of reality. Watsons views of Nature and nurture was that nurture was the corrected theory. Hes theories were that nobody is born with natural instinct and supporting this theory he believed that all knowledge is gained via interaction with his/her environment and parents should take sole priority for the responsibility they relinquish upon their children. Conditioning; http://www.simplypsychology.org/classical-conditioning.html) There are debates on how conflict impacts a childs upbringing. Positive views of conflict include it to be a natural emotion of life and should be expressed, supporting Watsons theory in nature and expectations of life. Negative views introduce beliefs that conflict can inflict anger therefore effecting ones social abilities via lack of suitable role model. Critics of Watsons views; Needs which are unmet; due to lack of physical/mental emotion leading to Cravings for attention. Selfishness; Leading from lack of emotion, the child can become an adult with difficulties to understand others needs of love and attention/affection. social skills; As the child finds it difficult to understand other childrens different thoughts and views. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Childcare_Act_2006 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework (http:/www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file) Conditioning; http://www.simplypsychology.org/classical-conditioning.html)

robotics Essay -- essays research papers

Robots-unethical/immoral? Lately there have been more and more smart machines that have been taking over regular human tasks but as it grows the bigger picture is that robots will take over a lot of tasks now done by people. But, many people think that there are important ethical and moral issues that have to be dealt with this. Sooner or later there is going to be a robot that will interact in a humane manner but there are many questions to be asked like; how will they interact with us? Do we really want machines that are independent, self-directed, and has affect and emotion? I think we do, because they can provide many benefits. Obviously, as with all technologies, there are dangers as well. We need to ensure that people always maintain control, that they serve human needs. Robots cou...

The Effectiveness of Terrorism Essay -- Papers

The Effectiveness of Terrorism The dictionary defines terrorism as â€Å"The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons.† Is terrorism an effective political medium for the advancement of a political minority or rather an act of defiance rendering a society into a state of ephemeral hysteria? It remains to be seen how this latest act of terrorism will unfold and what political awareness it may generate. Unfortunately, historically acts of violence have often proven themselves effective tactics in promoting significant political attention. In the next few paragraphs I will examine some examples of terrorism and make note of their political impacts One of the nation’s first and most iniquitous terrorist groups is the Ku Klux Klan. What significance has their use of terrorist tactics had on our culture overall? While some would argue that the Klan’s tactics have been proven ineffective in that...

Fuel Cell or Battery Essay -- Environment, Carbon Pollution

Introduction An increase of carbon pollution around the world has called for better options for the future of motoring. The two types of motoring options which have been developed are the hydrogen fuel cell and electric battery vehicles. Both of which provide pros and cons within the system, on the environment and cost wise. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles A hydrogen fuel cell is an electrochemical cell which directly converts the chemical energy in hydrogen and oxygen to electricity with pure water (figure 1). In general fuel cells have a similar arrangement which consists of an electrolyte and two electrodes, but there are many types of fuel cells which are classified by the kind of electrolyte used (DOE Energy Efficiency, 2006). An electrolyte is a liquid or gel that contains ions and can be decomposed by electrolysis and is present in a battery. The hydrogen fuel cell pathway consists of three conversion stages, the conversion of electricity to hydrogen, the conversion of hydrogen back to electricity and finally, the conversion of electricity to mechanical energy (Stephen Eaves, James Eaves, N/D). A Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell is widely regarded as the most promising for light-duty transportation. Hydrogen gas flows through channels to the anode, where a catalyst causes the hydrogen molecules to separate into proto ns and electrons therefore increasing the production of energy (DOE Energy Efficiency, 2006). The Polymer Electrolyte Membrane also operates at a temperature of 50–100Â ºC and has a 50–60% electric efficiency . (Bill Siuru, 2007) As the electricity production process is direct through an electrochemical device in a fuel cell, it never goes through the step of being a high-temperature gas through norm... ...drogen vehicles were to be more widely used, methods of producing hydrogen in a cost-effective way would have to be developed and producing enough to power an everyday car would also be a challenge (U.S. Department of Energy 2010). Conclusion Fuel cells are clean, fuel efficient, and fuel flexible. Any hydrogen-rich material can serve as a potential fuel source for this developing technology. Although it is reduces carbon emissions new research will have to be carried out to ensure it becomes cost-worthy for everyday users. Battery powered cars are for the moment the most viable and inexpensive option however the carbon emissions are adding to the already thinning atmosphere. By implementing hydrogen fuel cells as an alternative for maybe large forms of transport there will be a significant reduction of greenhouse gases for everyday transportation users.

GCSE Geographical Investigation

Managing Resources There is a need to manage, preserve and enhance the environment (built and natural) to maintain the tourist trade. This can be achieved in a variety of ways. The Growth in tourism There has been a steady but dramatic increase in tourism since the 1920/1930's. This was due to the increase and availability of cars for the average family. As families began to develop more and more disposable income in which they could use to buy cars etc. With this came family individuality, this meant that family's who wanted to go out into the countryside didn't have to wait for a long and uncomfortable bus journey to get into places of natural beauty. The questions that I will be answering in my essay are as follows: 1) Is there a need for conservation and stewardship in the Upper Derwent Valley? 2) Is the area managed in order to conserve the environment in the Upper Derwent Valley? 3) Does the Upper Derwnet Valley have some or all the features of a honeypot location? How will answering these questions help me to investigate my title? By answering these questions I will gather evidence and information about the Upper Derwent Valley, I will then be able to decide whether there is a need for management or stewardship in certain areas of the Upper Derwent Valley. Background Information Over 100 years ago the Derwent Valley in North Derbyshire was identified as having all the necessary attributes for water storage to satisfy the growing needs of the local population and industry in North Derbyshire, Sheffield, Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, the valley being deep and long, surrounded by grit stone edges with narrow points for dam building, and having a high rainfall. This valley close to Sheffield is now extremely popular with visitors who come to enjoy the attractive mix of water and woodland within the surrounding moorland. The road winds up the left flank of Lady bower, Derwent and Howden Reservoirs for nearly 8 miles to a turnaround at King's Tree. Here are some interesting facts about the famous reservoirs in the Upper Derwent valley: Catchment area 19,850 hectares Reservoir capacity 463692 million litres (3 reservoirs) Treatment works Yorkshire Bridge, opened 1929 Water filtered, chlorine added and pH corrected Bamford Stage I opened 1948 Bamford Stage II opened 1967 Where the water goes: (millions of liters) 450 (untreated) Sheffield 172 (treated) 77 Derbyshire 68 Leicester 27 Nottingham The Dambusters Derwent reservoir was used by the RAF's Dambusters to practise their low level flying techniques during 1943, in preparation for delivering Barnes Wallis' famous ‘bouncing bombs' to German dams. Located in the West Tower of the Derwent Valley Dam is the Derwent Dam (617 Squadron) Museum which houses a collection of memorabilia dedicated to the famous Dams Raid carried out by 617 Dambusters Squadron. It includes photographs and other material covering all aspects of the Dams Raid

Alkaloids Case Study Essay

Alkaloids are the most diverse group of secondary metabolites and over 5000 compounds are known. They are most commonly encountered in the plant kingdom, but representatives have been isolated from most other orders of organisms ranging from fungi to mammals. For years, there has been interest in their pharmacological activities, and for a long time selected plant products (containing alkaloids) have been used as poisons for hunting, murder, euthanasia, a euphoriants, psychedelics, and stimulants (e.g. morphine and cocaine) or as medicines (e.g. ephedrine). Many of our modern drugs now contain the same compound or synthetic analogues, and the pharmacological and toxicological properties of these compounds are thus of immense interest and importance. Almost two centuries have elapsed since Serturner isolated the first organic base clearly recognised as such, a crystalline substance that he obtained from the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum, and called morphine. The name alkaloid is applied to the members of a class of natural products of basic nature, and is derived from the name â€Å"vegetable alkali† first applied to these substances. They all owe their basic nature to an amino nitrogen. It is more difficult than at first might be supposed to define the term alkaloid. The work was coined in 1818 by Meissner and implies a compound similar to an alkali, referring to the basic properties of this class of substance. Meyer’s Konversations- Lexikon of 1896 states, â€Å"Alkaloids (plant bases) occur characteristically in plants and are frequently distinguished by their remarkable physiological activity. They contain carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen and in most cases oxygen as well; in many cases they resemble the alkalisà ¢â‚¬ . Modern dictionary definitions only differ in minor details from those of the older nontechnical literature. A definition due to Pelletier in 1982 includes cyclic nitrogen- containing molecules which are true secondary metabolites (i.e. of limited occurrence and produced by living organisms. Simple acyclic derivatives of ammonia and simple amines are thus excluded, and the additional requirement, that the nitrogen atom must have a negative oxidation state, excludes nitro and nitroso compounds. As for other natural products, no uniform system of nomenclature has so far been devised for alkaloids. In most cases the name of the alkaloid has been derived from the plant name. Thus, papaverine was called after the Papaver species from which it was isolated. The names cocaine (from Erythoxylum coca) and atropine (from Atropa belladonna) are other examples. Frequently several alkaloids are obtained from the same plant, and the names devised for them will depend on the inspiration of the natural products chemist who isolated them. Alkaloids as a class have interested organic chemists partly on account of their physiological action on the animal organism, and partly on account of the complex structural and synthetical puzzles that they pose. The chemistry of the alkaloids is but a branch of the wide chemistry of nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds, but the methods by which the structures of individual bases are deduced from degradative evidence and confirmed by total synthesis are typical of the methods applied for these purposes whole field the chemistry of natural products are illustrative of the general fundamental principles of organic chemistry. Structural types Alkaloids are usually classified according to the amino acids (or their derivatives) from which they arise. Thus, the most important classes are derived from the following Amino acids: * Ornithine and Lysine * Aromatic amino acid phenylalanine and tyrosine * Tryptophan and a moiety of mevalonoid origin Also a number of compounds are also derived from: * Anthranilic acid * Nicotinic acid This classification however, fails to include the alkaloids derived from a polyketide or a terpenoid, with the incorporation of a nitrogen atom, ultimately from ammonia. Examples are Conine and batrachotoxin which are often known as ‘pseudoalkaloids’. Other compounds covered by Pelletier’s definition also exist. Examples are the antibiotic cycloserine, mitomycin C, mushroom toxin muscimol and the purine alkaloids such as caffeine. There is another classification of the alkaloids according to the location of the nitrogen atom in certain structural features: 1. Heterocyclic alkaloids 2. Alkaloids with exocyclic nitrogen and aliphatic amines 3. Putrescine, spermidine and spermine alkaloids 4. Peptide alkaloids 5. Terpene and steroidal alkaloids Classifying the whole range of alkaloids according to this system result in them being dividing them up unequally as the great majority fall into the heterocyclis group and the smallest group is the putrescine, spermidine and spermine alkaloids. Occurrence Of the more than 5000 alkaloids known, most occur in flowering plants, although the distribution is far from uniform. Thus, although 40% of all plant families have at least one species containing alkaloids, when the 10000 plant genera are considered, only about 9% of these have been shown to produce alkaloids. Increasing numbers of alkaloids have been isolated from animals, insects, and microorganisms. Although mammalian alkaloids are rare, two examples are (-)-castoramine (a) from the Canadian beaver; and muscopyridine (b) from the musk deer. Both compound have a role in communication as territorial marker substances. Insects produce a variety of structural types which include the 2,6- dialkylpiperidines of the fire ant (c), the tricyclic N-oxides of the ladybird (d) and the quinazolines of the European milliped (e). Tese compounds are used for defence. During the last three decades Marine organisms have been investigated. Amongst the alkaloids are the exceedingly complex Saxitoxin (f) produced by a red coloured dinoflagellate. The ‘red tides’ contain mass aggregations of such organisms, and food poisoning when he toxic alkaloids are passed along the food chain to man. The Japanese puffer fish is highly valued as a culinary delicacy, but it is hazardous because its liver and ovaries contain the highly toxic tetrodotoxin. Fungi also produce alkaloids, and these too, present potential hazards as food contaminants. The ergot alkaloids, for example, Chanoclavine (g) produced by the fungus Claviceps purpurea, were a frequent soure of misery and death during the Middle Ages through the contamination of rye bread. Some of these were neurotoxic whilst others caused vasocontriction. During the last 40 years most of these non plant alkaloids have been isolated and their structures elucidated. The introduction of modern chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques facilitated this. Isolation Work on the constitution of alkaloids is often prefaced by the problem of their isolation from plant material or from residues after commercially important constituents have been removed. The isolation of each alkaloid is an individual problem there are a variety of procedures which may be entitled to generic rank. There are few plants which produce a single alkaloid so the main problem is the separation of mixtures. Many alkaloids are basic and occur as salts of 2-hydroxybutane-1, 4-dioic acid (malic acid), or of 1,3,4,5-tetrahydroxycyclohexane (quinic acid). They can thus be extracted into acid solution using aqueous hydrochloric, tartaric, or citric acids. Neutral alkaloids such as colchicines or piperine, which are in fact amides, remain in the organic phase, whilst most other alkaloids are isolated after basification and extraction into ethyl acetate. Steam distillation can be used also be used with low molecular weight alkaloids; but almost invariably sudsequent purification of the crude alkaloid mixtures is effected by chromatography using silica or alumina, and then recrystallisation of the partially purified compounds from solvent systems like aqueous ethanol, methanol/chloroform, or methanol/acetone. Structure elucidation Classical era: The classical era for structural studies on alkaloids was the 19th Century, though this could be extended to the 1930’s (advent of x-ray crystallography) or even to the 1970’s (advent of high resolution NMR facilities and modern methods of mass spectroscopy. Two case histories will be discussed, those of morphine and atropine. Opium has been used by man for thousands of years, so it is not suprising that the major active ingedient, morphine, was the first alkaloid to be isolated in pure state (by Serturner in 1805). It was not until 1923 that Sir Robert Robinson established the stucture of morphine. Chemical evidence for the structure is as follows: Standard showed that the nitrogen atom was fully substituted, and that the phenolic hydroxyl was present as it gave a positive FeCl3 test. Two hydoxyls were present as a diacetate and dibenzoate could be formed. Both compounds contained one olefinic double bond as codeine absorbed one. It was found that a reduced phenanthrene with a two-carbon bridge containing a tertiary nitrogen atom (with methyl as on substituent) was present, and the structure of morphine and codeine were first proposed in 1923 and 1925 respectively by Robinson and Gulland. Synthesis of morphine was carried out in 1956 by Gates. Atropine on the other hand, is not generally a natural product but arises through racemisation of (-)-hyoscyamine (see (a) below) and purification, and is thus ( )-hyoscyamine. (-)-hyoscyamine is the most common tropane alkaloid. In 1833 atropine was isolated from Atropa belladonna. Hydrolysis with warm barium hydroxide solution produced racemic tropic acid and tropine. Degradative studies and then through synthesis found the structure of tropic acid: Exhaustive degradation of tropine, carried out by Willstlter between 1985 and 1901, provided evidence for the bicyclic structure of tropine. The most widely used process in degradative studies of alaloids is exhaustive methylation, known as Hofmann degradeation. . This involves the pyrolysis of a quaternary ammonium hydroxide to form and olefin an a tertiary base: To ensure the complete removal of the nitrogen atom when it constitutes part of a ring, two degrdations must be carried out. When exhaustive methylation of of cyclic compounds might be expected to give 1,4-dienes, the alkaline conditions of the reaction may result in the migration of one of the double bonds to give a 1,3-diene. For example, the exhaustive methylation of N-methylpiperidine gives 1,3-pentadiene (piperylene) and not 1,4-pentadiene. The diene is then easily hydrogenated to form a saturated hydrocarbon. If Hofmann degradation fails to bring about ring fission of cyclic amines, Emde degradation, invoving catalytic reduction of a quaternary salt by sodium amalgam or sodium in liquid ammonia, may be applied. For example, attempted Hofmann degradation of N-methyltetrahydroquinoline methoxide results in regeneration of the parent base, while Emde reduction with sodium amalgam affords the ring-opened amine. Alkaloids containing diphenyl ether linkages, for example, bis-benzylisoquinoline, are cleaved into two fragments by reduction with sodium in liquid ammonia. For example, the structure of the alkaloid dauricine was established by reductive cleavage of O-methyl-dauricine. Modern era: During the last 30 years, structure elucidation has benn facilitated by the use of mass spectroscopy, and 1H and 13C NMR techniques. It is now possible to determine the structure in days with a few milligrams or less of pure compound. It took 118 years to determine the structure of morphine. The mass spectrum data for morphine is highly informative and is shown below and would have helped enormously years ago. Once the structure of an alkaloid is known, partial or total synthesis can be attempted. Biosynthesis It is possible to determine the amino acid from which an alkaloid is derived just by looking at the structure. Before availability of radio-isotopes 14C and tritium, and more recently the stable isotopes 13C and 15N it was only possible to speculate about the likely biosynthetic pathways. This was sometimes successful as for example, the suggested pathway to the isoquinoline alkaloid is as follows: It is possible to divide the biosynthesis of the alkaloids into two categories according to whether products are obtained from the amino acids ornithine and lysine, or the aromatic amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan. Alkaloids derived from ornithine and lysine: Pyrrolidine alkaloids – hygrine, cocaine, tropinone, hyoscyamine etc Piperidine alkaoids – piperine, (-)-lobeline etc Quinolizidine alkaloids – sparteine, cytosine, (-)-lupinine etc Pyridine alkaloids – nicotine, anabasine, anatabine etc Alkaloids derived from phenylalanine and tyrosine: Monocyclic compounds – hordenine etc Tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids – morphine, codeine, thebaine, noscapine (narcotine), papaverine, heroin etc Alkaloids derived from tryptophan: Simple indole derivatives: psilocybin, dimethyltryptamine, physostigmine etc Complex indole derivatives : harmaline, echinulin, ergonovine etc No class of naturally occurring organic substances shows such an enormous range of structures as the alkaloids with over 5000 known. It would be impossible to discuss each one of these within the time limit. Therefore, this project is concerned with the following alkaloids: Morphine ( including codeine and heroin), Cocaine, Nicotine and Caffeine (including theophylline). These alkaloids are present in enormous quantities in the world and seem appropriate to be discussed due to the current interest in their effects particularly when used illegally. They are some of the most well known alkaloids. Morphine (Codeine and Heroin) When the unripe seed capsules of the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum, is cut or pricked, a viscous liquid is exuded. After the exudates dries and darkens with exposure to air, a hard but still partly sticky mass is obtained. This is opium, which has been used for many centuries by some for medicinal purposes. Opium is important as a painkilling drug in its own right, but is also the source of other analgesic drugs such as morphine and heroin. Mankind had discovered the use of opium by the time of the earliest written records. In fact, the first recorded use of opium as a painkiller was around 6000 years ago by the Sumerians, and the Babylonian and Egyptian writings contain many references to the value of opium preparations for the relief of pain. Thomas Sydenham, the 17th Century pioneer of English medicine wrote, â€Å"Among the remedies which it has pleased Almighty God to give to man to relieve its sufferings, none is so universal and so efficacious as opium†. Nowadays, alt hough opium is no longer regareded as a universal analgesic, it is still a very important source of morphine. The pharmacologically active constituents of opium have been employed in medicine for many thousand of years. During the 19th century these constituents were isolated as pure chemical entities. Morphine is a naturally occurring substance and is the major constituent of opium, constituting about 10% (sometimes up to 20%) of its weight. Morphine was first isolated in 1805 by Friedrich Sertrner. However, its basic structure was not correctly determined until 120 years later. Morphine provides symptomatic relief of moderately severe to severe pain. Morphine acts as an anesthetic without decreasing consciousness, and it is one of the most powerful analgesics known. However, it also suppresses the repiratory system, and high doses can cause death by respiratory failure. Its analgesic properties are related to the ability of the molecule to fit into and block a specific sit on a nerve cell. This eliminates the action of the pain receptor Cocaine Cocaine is obtained from coca leaves (Erythryloxum coca) and has the formula C17H23O4N and a molecular weight of 303.39. The anaesthetic properties of cocaine were first recognised by Koller in 1882, but it has now been largely replaced in the clinic by synthetic analogues due to its widespread abuse as a narcotic. It is, however, still much used as a stimulant by Andean Indians. After chewing the leaves, they are easily fatigued and can go on for long periods without food. Cocaine is shipped and sold in the form of the water-soluble hydrochloride salt, which may be ingested through the nasal passages by ‘snorting’ orally and intravenously. There are severe physical and psychological side effects of the drug, such as brain seizures, respiratory collapse, heart attack, paranoia, and depression. Cocaine may be hydrolysed by acids or alkalis to methyl alcohol, benzoic acid, and (-)-ecgonine, C9H15O3 N; only partial hydrolysis, to benzoyl- (-)-ecgonine, C16 H19O4 N, and methyl alcohol when the alkaloid is boiled with water. Cocaine can be regarded as being derived from ornithine. Willsttter worked on a tortuous synthesis (of about 20 steps) of tropinone between 1900 and 1903, but in 1917 Robinson reported his ‘one-pot’ synthesis and also provided what was probably the first example of a formal retrosynthetic analysis. He stated: ‘By imaginary hydrolysis at the points indicated by the dotted lines, the substance may be resolved into succinaldehyde, methylamine and acetone’. The yield of this reaction was poor but Schpf and Lehmann reported optimised conditions (buffered solution at pH5 and 25C) which allowed 85% yield. A variety of mechanisms are possible and the one shown below envisages a reaction between the enol form of acetone dicarboxylate and the condensation product from succinaldehyde and methylamine. Willsttter made his own contributions based on this type of chemistry, and completed simple synthesis of tropinone in 1921 and a synthesis of cocaine in 1923. The synthesis of cocaine is as follows: A Robinson- type reaction yielded the expected azabicyclo structure but with a fortuitous axial stereochemistry for the carbomethoxyl group. Racemic cocaine was formed after separation of the diastereoisomeric products on the reduction of the ketone and benzoylation of the mixture of alcohols. An important aspect of Robinson’s route is that it represented the first biomimetic synthesis of an alkaloid. He provided inspiration for others to consider possible biosynthetic pathways, before planning their synthetic routes to alkaloids. Nicotine Nicotine, present in dried tobacco leaves of the plant nicotiana tabacum in 2-8% concentration, is the active ingredient in cigarettes and other tobacco products. The reason tobacco is used by so many people is because it contains this powerful drug nicotine. When tobacco is smoked, nicotine is absorbed by the lungs and quickly moves into the bloodstream, where it is circulated throughout the brain. All of this happens very rapidly. In fact, nicotine reaches the brain within 8 seconds after someone inhales tobacco smoke. Nicotine can also enter the blood stream through the mucous membranes that line the mouth or nose, or even through the skin. Smoking and chewing tobacco have been connected to heart and lung disease and cancer, mainly a result of the presence of carcinogens, carbon monoxide and other toxins. Nicotine affects the entire body. Nicotine acts directly on the heart to change heart rate and blood pressure. It also acts on the nerves that control respiration to change breathing patterns. In high concentration, nicotine is deadly. In fact, one drop of purified nicotine on the tongue will kill a person. It’s so lethal that it has been used as a pesticide for centuries. So why do people smoke? The mode of action of nicotine is complex. Ingestion of the molecule may stimulate or calm the user and it may affect his or her mood, appetite, and cognition. There appears to be little doubt that nicotine is an addictive drug, and the debate about how to regulate its availability is ongoing. Nicotine is part of the pyridine alkaloids and is the chief alkaloid of tobacco. It can therefore be classed as a tobacco alkaloid. Nicotine has the empirical formula C10 H14 N2, a molecular weight of 162.26 and was first observed by Vanquelin in 1809 and isolated 19 years later by Posselt and Reimann. Its structure is as follows: It is a colourless liquid with a boiling point of 246.1-246.2C and is miscible in all proportions with water below 60 and above 210. It is less soluble between these temperatures. When oxidised with chromic acid it yields an amino acid, C6H5O2N, which may be decarboxylated to pyridine–carboxylic acid. Nicotine is therefore a 3-substituted pyridine and that the substituent is a saturated group containing five carbon atoms and one nitrogen atom. The alkaloid forms a crystalline addition compound with zinc chloride, and when this is heated with lime pyridine, pyrrole and methylamine are obtained, suggesting that the structure be as above (1). This was supported by the degradation of the alkaloid to N-methylproline (1) to (5) (below), the oxidation of dibromocotinine (6) to nicotinc acid, malonic acid and methylamine (6) to (7). Also, by the reductive hydrolysis of bromocotinine to methylamine and the dihydroxy-acid (8). The structure of nicotine was finally confirmed by synthesis. Three syntheses of nicotine have been recorded. The first was based on the discovery that N-acetylpyrrole is transformed by heat to C-acetylpyrrole shown to be ?-acetylpyrrole. Pictet and Crepieux applied this reaction to N- pyridylpyrrole (3) (below) obtained by the reaction of -aminopyridine1 with mucic acid (2). The compound 31- pyridyl-2-pyrrole (4) was formed. An attempt to methylate the pyrrole nitrogen by heating the potassium derivative with yielded (5) (methiodide of 31- pyridyl-N-methyl-2-pyrrole). Distillation of this with calcium oxide gave nicotyrine (6). Selective hydrogenation of the pyrrole nucleus with a palladium-carbon catalyst converted nicotyrine (6) to nicotine with about a 25% yield. PICTET’S SYNTHESIS: Pictet’s classical synthesis involves two steps at high temperatures, one of which is a rearrangement. It cannot therefore be regarded as unambiguous. However, a second synthesis by Spth and Bretschneider involves no rearrangement at high temperature and are thus structurally specific. SPATH’S SYNTHESIS: (1) (Above) was converted into (2) via electrolytic reduction, which on treatment with potassium and methyl sulphate gave (3) (N-methylpyrrolidone). Ethyl nicotinate was then condensed with (3) in the presence of sodium ethanoate and the resulting -pyridyl-1- -(N1 – methyl-?1- pyrrolidonyl) – ketone (4) was hydrolysed with fuming hydrochloric acid at 130. The derived amino ketone (5) was reduced with zinc and sodium hydroxide to the corresponding alcohol (6), which was converted to nicotine on treatment with hydrogen iodide and potassium hydroxide. A third synthesis of nicotine by Craig was also carried out: CRAIG’S SYNTHESIS: Nicotinonitrile (1) (above) was reacted with ?- ethoxypropylmagnesium bromide. The product of the reaction (2) (3-pyridyl-?-ethoxypropylketone) formed an oxime (3), which was reduced to an amino derivative (4). On heating to 150-155 with 48% hydrobromic acid this was converted to nornicotine (5), which in turn was methylated to nicotine. The pyridine ring in nicotine is derived from nicotine acid, which itself is derived from aspartic acid and glyceraldehyde-3- phosphate: The remaining steps en route to nicotine are shown below: Caffeine The purine system occurs widely in nature. Two purines, adenine and guanine, are constituents of the nucleic acids; adenine is a component of coenzymes I and II, of flavin adenine dinucleotide and of adenosine with 3 distinguished compounds: caffeine, theophylline and theobromine. They are physiologically active constituents of coffee, cocoa, and tea. The compounds have different biochemical effects, and are present in different ratios in different plant sources. These compounds are very similar and differ only by the presence of methyl groups in two positions of chemical structure as shown below: They are easily oxidised to uric acid and other methyluric acids, which are also similar in chemical stucture. CAFFEINE – 1,3,7- trimethylxanthine SOURCES – Coffee, tea, cola nuts, mate, guarana EFFECTS – Stimulant of the central nervous system, cardiac muscle and respiratory system, diuretic, delays fatigue. THEOPHYLLINE – 1,3 – dimethylxanthine SOURCES – Tea EFFECTS – Cardiac stimulant, smooth muscle relaxant, diuretic, vasodilator. THEOBROMINE – 3,7- dimethylxanthine SOURCES – Principle alkaloid of the cocoa bean (1.5-3%), cola nuts and tea. EFFECTS – Diuretic, smooth muscle relaxant, cardiac stimulant, vasodilator. Theophylline has a stronger effect on heart and breathing than caffeine. For this reason it is the drug of choice in home remedies for treating asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. Theophylline found in medicine is made from extracts from coffee or tea. Theobromine is weaker than caffeine and theophylline – has one tenth of the stimulating effect. When isolated in pure form, caffeine is a white crystalline powder that tastes very bitter. Recreationally, it is used to provide a ‘boost in energy’ or a feeling of heightened alterness. It’s often used to stay awake longer. Caffeine inhibits the action of an enzyme, phosphodiesterase, whose job it is to inactive a molecule called cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP). Cyclic -AMP is involved in the formation of glucose in the bloodstream. Deactivation of phosphodiesterase by caffeine frees cyclic – AMP to do its job, more glucose appears, and we feel more energetic. Caffeine is an addictive drug. Among its many actions it operates using the same mechanisms that amphetamines, cocaine and heroin use to stimulate the brain. Caffeine’s effects are milder but it is manipulating the same channels and that it is one of the things that give caffeine its addictive qualities. It is one of the most widely used drugs. More than 90% of the population Britain consume it everyday and its long-term effects are of current interest. Purines are usually synthesised by Traube’s method in which a 4, 5 – diaminopyrimidine is treated with formic acid or, better, sodium dithioformate.4, 5- diaminopyrimidines are themselves obtained from 4- aminopyrimidines by nitrosation followed by reduction or via diazonium coupling of activated methylene compounds followed by cyclisation and reduction. Two examples are as follows: Uric acid (an 8-Hydroxypurine) are made using ethyl chloroformate in place of formic acid: Uric acid is then the starting material for other purines: Summary The term alkaloid refers to any Nitrogen containing compound extracted from plants, although the word is used loosely and some compounds of non-plant origin are also commonly known as alkaloids. The name is derived from their characteristic basic properties (alkali-like), which are induced by the lone-pair of electrons on nitrogen. The basic nature of the alkaloids, in conjunction with their particular three-dimensional architecture, gives rise to often-potent physiological activities, e.g. the narcotics morphine and heroin. The laboratory synthesis of an alkaloid can be a challenging problem. The goal nowadays is not only to synthesise the natural product, but also to do so from simple molecules by a short elegant pathway. Such syntheses have practical importance because many alkaloids are desirable drugs. Large amounts of these alkaloids are often difficult to obtain from natural sources. A simple synthesis can provide an alternative supply of such a drug. The 19th century was the heyday for structural studies on the alkaloids and the 20th century was notable for the large number of elegant syntheses that have been accomplished. Virtually all of the major alkaloids have now been synthesised.