Two factors significantly shape the person you become: the individuals with whom you interact and the books you read.

On December 20, 2024, an open lesson on the theme “The Book: A Lifelong Friend” was conducted by Rahmatullaeva M.A. assistant of the department of propaedeutics of children’s diseases. The presentation was collaboratively prepared by third-year medical students, group 38 of the medical faculty, namely Amonov H., Mirzoeva M., Ashurmatova D., and Makhmadzoda A.

Book history

Manuscript books were meticulously written by hand until the advent of printing technology. Chroniclers dedicated three to four years to composing a single book, an arduous and time-consuming task. These books were often adorned with precious stones, reflecting their value and significance. Goose feathers, fashioned into quills, served as writing instruments.

The role of books in human life is profound. They accompany and support individuals throughout their lives, beginning with teaching letters and words and later imparting knowledge preserved within their pages. Books provide essential and relevant information, making them an indispensable tool for learning and personal growth. Despite competition from modern mediums such as the Internet and television, books remain the most accurate and reliable source of information. Furthermore, the Internet does not replace books in people’s lives; instead, it represents a modernization of one of humanity’s most remarkable inventions.

Interesting Facts About Books

Books and the book industry hold a unique fascination, not only for their ability to transport us to new worlds but also for their capacity to continually amaze us with astonishing facts. Below are a few remarkable insights into the world of books. The smallest library in the world is located in the English village of Westbury-sub-Mendip, home to only 800 residents. Ingeniously, the community transformed a decommissioned phone booth into a tiny library. This creative reuse was prompted by the declining relevance of traditional telephones due to the widespread adoption of mobile phones. The oldest printed book known to date is the Dharani Scroll, also referred to as a sutra. Scholars regard it as the earliest example of printed material. The text of this sutra was produced using letters meticulously carved onto wooden blocks. The scroll was discovered in South Korea in 1966 during archaeological excavations at the foundation of the Pulguksa Pagoda. Experts estimate that it was printed around 704 AD. For comparison, the first book printed using a mechanical press was Johannes Gutenberg’s Bible, produced in 1454.

Curious Numbers

The largest book in the world, titled Superbook, was published in 1976 in Denver, Colorado, USA. Comprising 300 pages, the book weighs over 250 kilograms. Its dimensions are remarkable, with a length of 3.07 meters and a width of 2.74 meters.

Among all large books, the most renowned is the Giant Codex (Codex Gigas), created in the early 13th century (circa 1230) in Podlažice, Czech Republic. At the time of its creation, it was the largest book in existence. According to legend, the monk who compiled the codex allegedly sold his soul to the devil to complete the work. Originally, the codex consisted of 640 pages; however, only 624 pages have survived to the present day. The book weighs 75 kilograms and measures 915 centimeters in height, 508 centimeters in width, and 22 centimeters in thickness. The Codex Gigas is currently housed in the Swedish Royal Library in Stockholm.

Steven Bloomberg, a known bibliocleptomaniac, stole more than 23,000 rare books from 268 libraries. His collection was valued at $20 million.

One of the most expensive books in the world is Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Leicester, a notebook containing his writings. This notable work was purchased by Bill Gates for $24 million.

On average, individuals dedicate approximately 6.5 hours per week to reading.

Research indicates that women are more avid readers, accounting for 68% of all book purchases.

When evaluating books, consumers typically spend about 8 seconds examining the front cover and approximately 15 seconds on the back cover.

In 2012, Google undertook an initiative to quantify all published books across fiction, non-fiction, and scientific genres worldwide. At that time, the total number of books on Earth was estimated to be 129,864,880.

As the adage goes, "A reader lives a thousand lives before he or she dies, while an individual who does not read experiences only one."

Department of propaedeutics of children’s diseases

Translated by Ismoilov R.