Book Description

The defacto industry standard for test, measurement, and automation software solutions, LabVIEW 7 delivers the graphical programming capabilities that allow users to design programmable software solutions to problems and lab experiments. This edition is compatible with all National Instruments data acquisition and instrument control hardware.This version includes a learning directory containing VIs designed for those learning LabVIEW. It contains the necessary material for preparation for the certification process, and allows users to readily configure their applications with just a few mouse clicks, enabling rapid iterations of the VI configuration.For electrical engineers, and those involved in measurement and instrumentation. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good Book - Does it have the CDs?
I use this book to teach a college level course to students who have no programming experience. All the examples are available for down load from the site www.ni.com
It is good.
The ISBN LISTED # ISBN: 0131239260
is the book with the program CDs and book in a box.
Be careful with the used books and make sure you
get the one with the CDs containing the program itself. ... Read more

Book Description

The #1 guide to LabVIEW completely updated for release 6.0!

This one-of-a-kind LabVIEW developer's guide gives you virtual instruments--quickly and cheaply! You get powerful tools to build your own virtual instrumentation with National Instruments' popular LabVIEW programming language, from the ground up. Step-by-step instructions, written in a breezy, easy-to-read style with non-programming scientists and engineers in mind give you:

• A head start on common test and measurement instrument configurations, with ALL NEW ready-to-run customizable virtual instruments on the CD
• Imaging, sound, and instrument driver solutions
• Tools for constructing LabVIEW instruments and controls to run everywhere--on desktop PCs, embedded/single-board computers, Linux systems, and more
• Complete tools to build your own real-time and embedded virtual instruments using LabVIEW for Linux--includes VMware Workstation so you can build and run an embedded version of Linux on Windows NT/2000
• Full coverage of LabVIEW RT with expert guidance on real-time and embedded applications
• On the bootable CD with embedded Linux operating system: numerous working virtual instruments; all examples built in the book; VMware Workstation for Windows NT/2000 and Linux (30-day trial)

Reviews (8)

not very helpful
I didn't find this book helpful at all. It is neither for beginners nor for advanced Labview programmers. If you are somewhere in middle and want to enjoy reading a book about labview like reading a fiction, this may be the right book for you.

If you are really looking for a book which you really need to learn something about Labview, this book is not that one. Continue your search!

Not really impressed..
I didn't really find this book all that useful in learning labview, in fact national instruments free seminars/adverts were much better. The manual also seems to help more. If you are going to use the latest labview 7, a lot of this info will be superfluos due to the wizards. I am however no labview expert, but i would defintely recommend checking this out in a bookshop first, as i was disapointed.

The only LabVIEW book you'll ever need
I've purchased all three editons of Gary Johnson's LabVIEW book and haven't been disappointed yet. This is one of those rare books that lives up to its hype. The writing is clear and engaging, without condescending to the more advanced user. If you're using or learning LabVIEW, check this book out.

Great Book, Especially for the Working Person
For those of you who do not have this book, this book is one of the top Labview books available. It goes very quickly through the basics, and focuses more on building actual applications in Labview. Many pointers on how to maximize resources are through out this book. It saved me many hours of trial and error. The book reads as if an articulate person is speaking to you. Very no nonsense.

For example, there's a comprehensive chapter on actually developing a Labview VI for use. It goes through the requirements, the development (internally and also the user interface) and the release of the VI. Further, it has a nice section on DAQ.

This book is more or less a rehash of the old book, with some upgrades, but for those who don't have the old one, read it's reviews. I wasn't terribly disappointed with the omission of Labview 6i stuff, since the content extended beyond it. You'll be making a good investment in this book.

Not much different than the previous version
I gave this book 3 stars because it's still a useful resource for those who are interested in LabVIEW. However, I wouldn't recommend buying it if you have the previous version and don't wish to pursue the creation a real time LabVIEW application on an embedded Linux platform. There really is little, if any, mention of some of the new, interesting features of LabVIEW 6 which to me was a major let down, such as control references and the like. The examples included with the book on the CD Rom aren't incredibly useful or new for that matter, but could be of some benefit to a new user. Overall, if you're new to LabVIEW and have never seen the previous version of this book I'd recommend it, but if you have the older version I wouldn't be too inclined to recommend it for anything rather than the detailed information in the latter chapters regarding LabVIEW RT and Linux. ... Read more

Book Description

Beginning in the 1960s, scientists across a wide range of disciplines cooperated in developing unbiased—or assumption free—stereology, based on stochastic geometry and probability theory, as a way to estimate the parameters of irregularly shaped objects without introducing bias. In recent years these new estimation techniques, which were originally quite painstaking and time consuming, have made a great deal of headway in disciplines such as neuroscience, thanks in part to the development of computer software for their application. Prestigious journals and grant-giving organizations now require the use of unbiased stereology in the projects that they support, and this trend is expected to continue.

Principles and Practices of Unbiased Stereology will fill a need in the biomedical community as a clear, user-friendly introduction to this area for the increasing number of scientists who need to learn these techniques for their research. The work moves logically from a discussion of the historical background of stereology to full explanations of terms, concepts,and tools, with the latter part of the manuscript devoted to typical stereology designs. An associated web site will feature color illustrations and video clips demonstrating stereological techniques. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A fantastic book
Principles and Practices fills a much needed niche-- this book excels at introducing beginners to stereology and is sufficiently advanced that more experienced scientists will find themselves using it for reference. The most interesting and useful feature of this book is its organization. Beginning with an historical perspective, the reader learns the importance of stereology as a separate field, as well as its recent impact on the biological sciences. The author does an excellent job of providing pertinent information instead of overwhelming with formulas and jargon. Dr. Mouton's treatment of bias and error is superb; I find myself referring to it frequently. ... Read more

Book Description

During the nineteenth century, a remarkable scientific instrument known as a harmonograph revealed the beautiful patterns found in music. Harmonograph is an introduction to the evolution of simple harmonic theory, from the discoveries of Pythagoras to diatonic tuning and equal temperament. Beautiful drawings show the octave as triangle, the fifth as pentagram; diagrams show the principles of harmonics, overtones, and the monochord. Anthony Ashton examines the phenomenon of resonance in Chladni patterns, describes how to build a harmonograph of your own, and provides tables of world tuning systems. This inspiring book will appeal to musicians, mathematicians, designers, and artists alike. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

hints of the mystical
This is an excellent little book on harmonics and sound, encompassing science and music. It is a much needed counter weight to the effervessence of other recent titles on temperament and harmonics. It is such a beautifully visual book, with graphic depictions of sound waves, you will simply want to look at the illustrations for hours. It hints at the mystical without falling off the edge into either New Age or Cultural Supremacy.

Beautiful and Fascinating
I discovered the the Wooden Books series less than a year ago through some serendipitous bookstore browsing, and soon purchased them all. Each volume is compact, well-written, beautifully illustrated, and most of all informative. I'm reading my copy of Harmonograph along with Stuart Isacoff's book Temperament (also recommended), and couldn't imagine a more perfect pairing of books. Being musically challenged, I rely on Harmonograph to make better sense of the intervals Isacoff discusses in his book, and it does so in a brilliant, unique way. You won't be disappointed in this little gem.

Interesting.........
Although, I had never heard of harmonographs until I saw this text in a book store recently, the drawing on the cover caught my eye immediately, as I had seen similiar drawings, created by some drawing device using pendulums, in Annie Besant and Charles Leadbeater's THOUGHT FORMS, first published over 100 years ago. Those who are familiar with Stephen Phillips' 1980 work: Extrasensory Perception of Quarks (which is a contempory analysis of Besant & Leadbeater's Occult Chemistry, published in 1908 & 1919) might be well inclined to take Besant and Leadbeater seriously regarding their geometric descriptions of thought forms. Since Besant and Leadbeater assume that there is some commonality between the shape of the thought forms they perceived and those drawn by a harmonograph, this book seems like a good introduction to this long forgotten device, which may provide some sort of conceptual framework to think about thought forms. ... Read more

Book Description

This volume and its companion Nonhuman Primates in Biomedical Research: Biology and Management represent the most comprehensive publications of their type on nonhuman primates. This volume addresses the diseases of nonhuman primates with an emphasis on the etiological factors, clinical signs, diagnostic pathology, therapy, and management. Its companion volume serves as a general reference for those who provide care for these animals and for those who use them in biomedical research. ... Read more

Book Description

Presents readers with a user-friendly, non-technical introduction to statistics and the principles of plant and crop experimentation. Avoiding mathematical jargon, it explains how to plan and design an experiment, analyse results, interpret computer output and present findings. Using specific crop and plant case studies, this guide presents:

• The reasoning behind each statistical method is explained before giving relevant, practical examples
• Step-by-step calculations with examples linked to three computer packages (MINITAB, GENSTAT and SAS)
• Exercises at the end of many chapters
• Advice on presenting results and report writing

Book Description

Popular Lost Cities author David Childress opens the door to the amazing world of ancient technology, from the computers of the ancient world to the "flying machines of the gods." Technology of the Gods explores the technology that was allegedly used in Atlantis and the theory that the Great Pyramid of Egypt was originally a gigantic power station. Childress also uncovers many other mysteries, including: *

the technology of ancient flight *

how the ancients used electricity *

megalithic building techniques *

the use of crystal lenses and the fire from the gods *

ancient evidence of high-tech weapons, including atomic weapons *

the role of modern inventors, such as Nikola Tesla, in bringing ancient technology into modern use *

impossible artifacts, and more, much more. Childress has done it again! From beginning to end, Technology of the Gods is filled with facts, keen observations and tales that challenge modern assumptions in a humorous, intelligent and compelling way that is quintessential Childress. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Fascinating
This book is filled with incredible and plausible descriptions of technology that has been ignored or explained away by traditional science. A MUST read for anyone that believes there are many secrets hidden in the past.

Very Interesting
Even if you do not agree with everything in this book, this author does a great job of discussing technology that ancient people had. The text is highlighted by pictures that enhance many of this statements he makes. The author does a great job of taking information from a variety of sources to prove his points and clarify his writing.

My two complaints are that some of the pictures are so small that they are frustrating because you can't see much of the detail. Second, the assumption is made that you know about many of the places in this book and I don't. I had never heard of many of these places until reading this book. I would have appreciated a few maps to help clarify where some of these places are.

Great book. Very interesting. Enjoy.

Incredible
Some of the pictures really make you think, what did the ancients really know. The theories on the pyramids is very original. This whole book is original.Filled with interesting stuff, you'll learn many new ideas from this book.

A rehash
Everything in this book has been written about already by authors like Erich von Daniken, Charles Berlitz, Alan Landsburg, Andrew Tomas, and countless others. And still nobody has come up with a satisfactory explanation in 30 years...

Very enlightening
this is a great book for introductory, the author tries his best to cram as much as possible in little space, thus leaving out a lot of detail, also the author starts over exaggerating towards page 334, over all it is a good book..brings a lot of stuff to light.... ... Read more

Book Description

In modern industrial environments where responsibility for quality control is being placed upon individual workers, the understanding of dimensional metrology principles is becoming increasingly important.That's why the fourth edition of our best-selling Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology book offers a direct path to understanding and applying the principles, techniques, and devices used within the dimensional metrology field today. This edition uses both the Metric and Imperial systems, yet emphasizes Metric measurement devices and concepts in all examples for greater consistency with the latest industry trends. Information on particular devices and concepts, previously presented in separate chapters, has been combined to improve the logical flow of the material. New chapter-end review questions have also been added to eliminate the potential for ambiguity, allowing readers to gauge their understanding as they progress through the book. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Excellent Resource
As an ASQ certified Mechanical Inspector and Quality Technician, I would like to say that; This text is a fine resource for any person working in the metrology field. It covers a wide range of topics and is well worth having. Written in a style that is both informatve AND interesting. I was well pleased with this book.

Excellent Resource
As an ASQ certified Mechanical Inspector and Quality Technician, I would like to say that; This text is a fine resource for any person working in the metrology field. It covers a wide range of topics and is well worth having. Written in a style that is both informatve AND interesting. I was well pleased with this book.

This book leaves something to be desired
I have been reading this book for a class. I must say that this book is not as detailed as I would like it to be. I am an engineer and my expectation was that when a statement is made details would be provided to backup the statements. And the figures in the book are not easy to understand quickly. There must be a better book out there.

Great book for dimensional calibration technicians
This book would be useful to any machinist, but it is specifically written for the dimensional calibration technician, a wealth of practical, useful information.Thanks.

Is Anything Better Out There?
This book has been required for a Dimensional Metrology class at Palomar College for the last ten years.This course is required for students seeking an AA in Quality Assurance Technology, or Quality certification.Though not a definitive guideline for the science of measurement, it seems to be the best text available.

Although there is an abundance of illustrations most are outdated and from the sixties. The field of Metrology has changed substantially and this text has not been revised accordingly.The questions and answer choices that follow each chapter are ambiguous in nature and need to reflect current issues. I would like to see more alignment with the ASQ CMI body of knowledge, inclusion of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, and revision of the statistics chapter to include Gage R&R and various continuous improvement tools (cause and effect diagrams, run charts, process capability, trend charts, check sheets, etc.).The QS 9000 guidelines and newer calibration standards should also be referenced.

Let's see a major overhaul with the next issue. ... Read more

Book Description

Principles and Techniques of Electron Microscopy is the standard work for biological electron microscopists wishing to learn how to prepare their specimens for electron microscopic investigation.This fully revised and expanded fourth edition includes three new chapters covering such topics as plant tissues, immunocytochemistry, and applications of microwave irradiation to microscopy. It provides practical instructions on how to process biological specimens, as well as a detailed discussion on the principles underlying the various processes.Dr. Hayat presents methods in a self-explanatory form and includes alternative procedures and points of disagreement to help the reader interpret data accurately.What sets this book apart from its competition is that it not only describes techniques but also explains their fundamental principles; that is, those chemical reactions underlying the use of various reagents for preserving and staining cellular components. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

labeling with colloidal gold conjugates
It is an excellent handbook for electron microscopy. In the section of labeling with protein A / colloidal gold, the author fails to acknowledge the original contribution on the subject: Romano EL and Romano MS: Staphylococcal protein A bound to colloidal gold: a useful reagent to label antigen-antibody sites in electron microscopy. Immunochemistry 14:711-715,1977. I think that the omission is unfair because later works by others are cited in the same section of the book ... Read more

Book Description

Focusing on all current applications, this book presents the various methods as well as their suitability and limitations for a specific question. One particular highlight is the presentation of all basic information on the structure of the relevant objects, thus allowing readers to choose the most suitable applications for any specific problem. They will also find in-depth background information on structure-function relationships, plus descriptions of sample preparations with respect to a particular technique and the necessary equipment.
The whole is rounded off with an overview of the future application potential for devices and applications of upcoming interest in biotechnology. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Outstanding resource
My kids loved these fun learning activities. Enough to keep them busy through early childhood. Nothing canned here. . . all creative and discovery-focused. Makes biology and even physics accessable to very young children. You can't go wrong with this outstanding guide.

This series is GREAT
This is really handy for the budding scientist in your preschooler. Experiements are written so that the early reader can understand and do the experiments on their own (it lets the reader know when a parent needs to help or supervise, such as when scissors are involved) and has question that the parent can use to further expand on projects. Also check this whole series, such as math play, arts and crafts from around the world, rainy day play, weather, shapes, etc. My son loves these activies. Plus for the price, you can't beat it. (...)

Dissatisfied in Annandale
This book had some neat ideas and experiments, but not enough explanations for them. I have a very inquisitive 4 year old and this book just didn't satisfy his curiosity or my expectations.

You can't find a better book for Early Childhood Science
As a science teacher who specializes in Early Childhood Science, you can't find a better book than this. It has good simple activities. It has different questions you can ask the children to stimulate their thinking. It has short explanations for grown-ups. It even has literature (read-aloud) suggestions. I've read a lot of science books, those published by educational publishers, those with fancy titles etc... and this is the one I recommend to our teachers.

Preschoolers will love these fun "science" activities.
We bought "Science Play" not knowing the joy it wouldbring to our three year old. She LOVES this book! We enjoy doing theactivities with her and like that most "supplies needed" are items we have around the house. The activities are easy, fast and interactive so toddlers are kept interested. Another Bonus: No TV or Computer needed -- just Mom or Dads time. ... Read more

Book Description

Shuji Nakamura's development of a blue semiconductor laser on the basis of GaN opens the way for a host of new applications of semiconductor lasers. The wavelengths can be tuned by controlling the composition. For the first time it is possible to produce lasers with various wavelengths, ranging from red through yellow and green to blue, in one substrate material. This fact, together with their high efficiency, makes GaN-based lasers very useful for a wide spectrum of applications. The second edition of this basic book on GaN-based devices has been updated and significantly extended. It includes a survey of worldwide research on GaN, as well as Nakamura's latest important developments. The reader finds a careful introduction to the physics and properties of GaN. The main part of the book deals with the production and characteristics of GaN LDs and LEDs. To complete the spectrum of applications, GaN power devices are also described. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Greatest book on the new Blue Semiconductor Lasers!
This book is by far, the best book I have read about the latest Blue Laser Technology. I give the content and organization of information my highest regard. ... Read more

Book Description

In this fascinating book, the renowned astrophysicist J. Richard Gott leads time travel out of the world of H. G. Wells and into the realm of scientific possibility. Building on theories posited by Einstein and advanced by scientists such as Stephen Hawking and Kip Thorne, Gott explains how time travel can actually occur. He describes, with boundless enthusiasm and humor, how travel to the future is not only possible but has already happened, and he contemplates whether travel to the past is also conceivable. Notable not only for its extraordinary subject matter and scientific brilliance, Time Travel in Einstein"s Universe is a delightful and captivating exploration of the surprising facts behind the science fiction of time travel. ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Time Travel in Einstein's Universe
This book stands out from the now-ubiquitous books on quantum physics in several ways. First, it establishes a link between the science of quantum physics and the effect it has had on popular culture. It uses this as a jumping-off point for discussing some rather odd predictions of current theory, then delves into more detail than most similar books on why these predictions exist. The math is fairly easy to understand, and the book presents one of the most lucid explanations of the various states of vacuum and the possible geometries of space-time. The cover illustration is actually a 2-D model for a multidimensional concept that the author holds off until the end (and it is worth the wait), providing rare suspense to an otherwise dry topic.

Provocative, though it stops just short of the neo-Taoist theosophy of _The Dancing Wu Li Masters_ and _The Tao of Physics_. You will enjoy, I promise! Also in Discover Magazine's list of recommended reading.

Time Travel in Einstein's Universe
Time Travel in Einstein's Universe: The Physical Possibilities of Travel Through Time written by J. Richard Gott is a very well-written book about time travel and what it might consist.

This book is easily read and is a delightfully refreshing as I found for the first time that the author was the first to completely explain Einstein's theory of relativity to me and I understand it and the ramifications.

The author explains how some of the best science fiction can stimulate science fact in the world's finest scientific people. Thus, time travel has been conceived.

The book only has five chapters all of which dedeal with the subject of time travel as seen of different angles. Cosmic strings, space folding upon itself, traveling back to a past event via two cosmic strings are discussed in detail along with wormholes and warpdrive. A warpdrive creates a U-shaped distortion in the spacetime creating a shortcut.

A self-creating universe according to the author, in which the universes give birth to other universes, a time loop at the beginning allows the Universe to be its own mother. I found thiss book to be some serious mind candy... some very deep level physical philosophy... indeed.

The prose moves quickly and you will not be bored as the author drives home his insightful points one after the other. The layperson will not be lost in space reading this book, but your mind could be bent as you read this very engaging book.

Great For Everyone
This book is exciting to read if you're interested in time travel, regardless of how much math you understand. It gives a good balance between the mathematics of time travel, and concepts, such as paradoxes and multiple universes. I loved it even though I didn't understand most of the math.

Great Book!
I'm an avid fiction reader, but for some reason I decided to try this book. It was a blast! I learned on a basic level how our universe works, and was entertained too! I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes to both learn and be entertained.

Great Book (Not for Beginners)
I'm in the middle of reading this book and it is AWESOME. Gott does a great job writing and addresses both visual and non-visual learners. I would recommend it for anyone interested in physics and/or astronomy. Even half way through I understand much more than I did before starting. I'm in fifth grade and nobody but me in my class understands it (but, as you probably know, I'm not the average fifth grader). It is the best non-fiction book I've ever read and I hope you read it too! ... Read more

Book Description

This reference series provides researchers of all kinds with comprehensive practical information on different species of laboratory animals, for daily laboratory use. Each title in the series in devoted to a different species. and draws together all available data in one easily accessible source. Each has similar format, with sections on the strains available, their husbandry and special diets. This leads to sections on gross anatomy, endocrinology and reproduction, followed by more detailed sections on neuroanatomy, vasculature, cell biology and histology of particular organs and structures, and a section on molecular biology.
High quality illustrations are included throughout, with copious color histology microphotographs.

Key Features
* Comprehensive reference source for anybody working with laboratory fish
* 2-color, user-friendly format
* Copious high quality illustrations included throughout
* Color plate section
* Glossary
* Appendix of useful addresses ... Read more

Book Description

Investigation of the functional architecture of the human brain using modern noninvasive imaging techniques is a rapidly expanding area of research. A proper knowledge of methodology is needed to appreciate the burgeoning literature in the field. This timely publication provides an excellent catalogue of the main techniques.

The authors offer an invaluable analysis of mapping strategies and techniques, providing everything from the foundations to the major pitfalls and practical applications of the modern techniques used in neuroimaging. Contains over 1000 full color pages with more than 200 color figures.

Spanning the methodological gamut from the molecular level to the whole brain while discussing anatomy, physiology, and pathology, as well as their integration, Brain Mapping: The Methods, 2e, brings the reader a comprehensive, well-illustrated and entirely readable description of the methods for brain mapping. Drs. Toga and Mazziotta provide everything from the foundations to the major pitfalls and practical applications of the technique by assembling an impressive group of experts, all widely known in their field, who contribute an outstanding set of chapters. ... Read more

Book Description

The subject of time series is of considerable interest, especially among researchers in econometrics, engineering, and the natural sciences. As part of the prestigious Wiley Series in Probability and Statistics, this book provides a lucid introduction to the field and, in this new Second Edition, covers the important advances of recent years, including nonstationary models, nonlinear estimation, multivariate models, state space representations, and empirical model identification. New sections have also been added on the Wold decomposition, partial autocorrelation, long memory processes, and the Kalman filter.

Major topics include:

• Moving average and autoregressive processes
• Introduction to Fourier analysis
• Spectral theory and filtering
• Large sample theory
• Estimation of the mean and autocorrelations
• Estimation of the spectrum
• Parameter estimation
• Regression, trend, and seasonality
• Unit root and explosive time series

To accommodate a wide variety of readers, review material, especially on elementary results in Fourier analysis, large sample statistics, and difference equations, has been included. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

nice graduate level text covering both time and frequency do
In 1981 I used this book for a graduate seminar that I taught on time series analysis at UC Santa Barbara. The course was successful because I followed the text closely. It presents the material in a rigorous and cogent manner. At the time there were a few competing books but some emphasized time domain methods and others were strictly frequnecy domain approaches. Fuller balances the two very well and his book is better written and organized than most of the competitors at that time (1981).

Today there are a lot more books to choose from. You can check my listmania list on time series books to get an idea. I particularly like Brockwell and Davis' book as a competitor to Fuller for a graduate level time series seminar. ... Read more

Book Description

While single wave ellipsometry has been around for years, spectroscopic ellipsometry is fast becoming the method of choice for measuring the thickness and optical properties of thin films. This book provides the first practical introduction to spectroscopic ellipsometry and the related techniques of reflectometry. A guide for practitioners and researchers in a variety of disciplines, it addresses a broad range of applications in physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, and materials science. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Spectroscopic Ellipsometry and Reflectometry - A Users Guide
Most useful book on this subject I have ever read. ... Read more

Book Description

"[A] well-written, often amusing and always fascinating exposé." (Scientific American)

DO MEN AND WOMEN LAUGH AT THE SAME THINGS?
IS LAUGHTER CONTAGIOUS?
HAS ANYONE EVER REALLY DIED LAUGHING?
IS LAUGHING GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH?

Drawing upon ten years of research into this most common-yet complex and often puzzling-human phenomenon, Dr. Robert Provine, the world's leading scientific expert on laughter, investigates such aspects of his subject as its evolution, its role in social relationships, its contagiousness, its neural mechanisms, and its health benefits. This is an erudite, wide-ranging, witty, and long-overdue exploration of a frequently surprising subject. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Disappointing
IMHO, this doesn't yield any valuable conceptual insights into humor.

If you're interested in the cognitive patterns behind jokes, comedy etc. you might want to check out Arthur Koestler's "Act of Creation" instead. He sets out to discover common patterns behind creative acts in humor, art and science and comes up with very broad original insights that I found very enlightening.

Another interesting (and more formalized) attempt to conceptualize creative thinking (including humor) is being developed by some cognitive linguists (Gilles Fauconnier, Mark Turner). Their concepts seem to go along very well with Koestler's findings. You might want to check out their book "The Way We Think".

Laughter is caused by a stuttering brain
Yes, yes, I know. Provine studied thousands of people but, what he failed to grasp is that laughter is the result of a "stuttering" brain. A person is confronted with anxiety and, the brain "stutters" and releases the vocalizations we call laughter. This brings the brain (rather mind) back into equilibrium and "solves" the dilemma . . .the anxiety.

Fascinating, but probably not the book for everyone
I thought this book was fantastic--but I probably approached it in a way different than the average reader would.

I'm a psychologist, like Provine, and humor has been a side interest for me during all of my 20 years in the field. I thought about studying humor when I was in graduate school, but chose to study memory instead, basically because I chickened out; I thought that humor was too hard. Indeed, I read most of the important works on humor and laughter and was not that impressed with the status of the field.

This is the best book on the subject I have ever read.

Provine takes the brilliantly simple approach of questioning whether or not we really know _when_ people laugh, instead of assuming that we know when and asking _why_. I (AND every psychologist and philosopher who has written on the subject) had assumed that we know when people laugh. Provine shows that we don't by doing observational studies of when people laugh. That alone would be worth following the author for a couple of hundred pages. Provine shows very clearly that laughter (1) has a social, communicative function, thus explaining the common (and this time correct) observation that you seldom laugh alone; (2) that laughter is usually NOT related to humor because it is not uttered in humorous situations; (3) that the person making a laugh-worthy comments laughs MORE than the person hearing that comment;

In addition Provine has some interesting speculation on the continuity of laughter from the great apes to humans.

This book is very different than the typical science trade book, as one might read by Steve Pinker, or James Gleick. It's not the type of book where a competent guide leads you through a simplified version of a very complex literature where great strides have been made. Rather, Laughter is a book of science in the making. It's not quite an academic treatise--you don't need much background to pick it up and read it. But be warned that it is not the kind of book where, once you finish it you'll say "Cool. So that's what laughter is all about." But if you are interested in humor or laughter, you may well find it rewarding.

A Waste Of Time
I'm currently taking psychology at my school. I chose, for a project, to do a study on humor. As a book resource, I found this, and had high hopes for good scientific and correlational information. Provine has failed to write anything worth taking notes over in this book. He comes up with good questions but doesn't explain any answers, simply stating what other psychologists have done wrong in the quest for the answer. In the end, the book leaves us empty and full of questions and hopes that are never fulfilled. Also, he spends a lot of time placing gender stereotypes that have and never will be proven true in any context. This book was a waste of time for him to write, and a waste of time for us to read. There is nothing scientific about "Laughter: A Scientific Investigation".

I laughed once while reading it
I guess his idea was that there were no studies on laughter so he wrote a book telling someone else to do one. I'm not sure what the point was or why anyone would have published this book, it went no where, accomplished nothing and was thuroughly dissapointing. He raised good quesitons and never came close to answering any of them. I don't get it. The one thing he actually did that was interesting was when he studied when men and women laugh, I thought that was very insightful and now that I know the facts, I've watched it be true. Women laugh when they talk or when they hear, men don't think women are funny. I thought that was an interesting study. Otherwise, the book didn't quite tell me anything. After another ten years of study he could write a much better book. ... Read more