Book Description

When it comes to pinpointing the stuff you really need to know, nobody does it better than CliffsNotes. This fast, effective tutorial helps you master the core concepts of advanced organic chemistry -- and get the best possible grade. From biosynthesis and integrated metabolism to the molecular cloning of DNA, you get clear, jargon-free explanations of all the fundamentals, illustrated throughout with a wealth of figures and formulas. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

a must for orgo students!
This book simplifies the many aspects covered in "Fessenden & Fessenden" book, and the rxn's at the end are extremely helpful to study for exams. Unfortunately, this book doesn't really get into nucleic acids, but it does a great job covering all functional groups synthesis & rxns! A key book for reference as well as explanations regarding intermediates for rxns. A+

Great Review
This was a great help to me as I prepared for my finals. The last few pages are especially helpful in summerizing the numerous reactions in organic chemistry. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a concise review before a test. ... Read more

Book Description

Co-written by the author of the award-winning The Tropical Look, An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms offers a definitive account of palms that may be grown in the garden and landscape. Because palms are often underutilized as a result of their unfamiliarity---even to tropical gardeners---Robert Lee Riffle and Paul Craft have exhaustively documented every genus in the palm family. Approximately 890 species are described in detail, including cold hardiness, water needs, height, and any special requirements. No gardener or landscaper who reads this book should ever again lose a palm solely because of lack of horticultural information.

Generously illustrated with more than 900 photos, An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms is as valuable as an identification guide as it is a practical handbook. The volume even contains photos of several palm species that have never before appeared in a general encyclopedia. Interesting snippets of history, ethnobotany, and biology inform the text and make this a lively catalog of these remarkable plants.

As well as all of the tropical and subtropical palms, the encyclopedia includes many species that can withstand freezing; thus it is applicable for areas where average low temperatures do not drop below 5ºF (-15ºC).

Many features of the book add to its usefulness for the amateur or professional grower. Extensive landscape lists group together palms with special characteristics, such as drought tolerance, salt tolerance, and slow growth, to name a few. A unique appendix with notes on germinating seed of selected palms will prove invaluable to gardeners and nursery professionals who wish to grow palms from seed. In all, An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms offers a wealth of information to horticulturists at every level of experience. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Excellent Reference
A nice addition to the various encyclopedias on cultivated palm trees. The authors went to a lot of trouble photographing the many species illustrated as well as the undertaking to provide information on each species but not perfect considering the magnitude of the task. If you are a collector of palms or enjoy palm trees this book is a must in your library. I use this volume as a reference regularly and could not imagine my library without it. Also a nice companion to Betrocks Cultivated Palms of the World.

Best Overall Palm Reference
This is truly a great book for palm enthusiasts. It has detailed descriptions and photos of most, if not all, of the palm species currently cultivated in the U. S., Australia and Europe and is an invaluable reference for the palm-growing hobbyist. It is not intended to be a "how to" book and shouldn't be criticized because for not discussing planting techniques, fertilization, diseases, etc.

I've bought four copies: one for myself and three for gifts.

Great book!
This book is simply the most comprehensive, practical reference to palms in cultivation. No detail has been left out for hardiness, landscape use, and horticultural needs. Most photos are excellent, but many were taken of rare species in the field and are not meant to be coffee table gorgeous--you won't find photos of these species in other books. We can grow a surprising array of palms here in the Northwest, and this book is just as useful to me as it would be on the Gulf Coast. This book also has the invlvement of the International Palm Society vice president, so it comes with the stamp of authority.

An Excellent Photographic Reference for Palm Enthusiasts
This is one of the most complete reference guides for anyone who has ever wondered about palm trees. The scientific treatment of the subject is kept to a minimum while the use of palms in the landscape is emphasized. Here the enthusiasm of the authors shines through. The numerous color photographs underscore the point that nearly any landscape need can be satisfied with thoughtful use of palms.

The photographs are snapshot rendered, but in my opinion, any lapse of quality which results is more than compensated by the adequacy of detail.

Though the authors provide notes on seed germination, they avoid a more thorough discussion of propagation. The authors generously supply hints on cultivation of many species covered in the book, but they do not discuss diseases which afflict growing specimens.

There is no doubt that the book is worth the price paid.

Not A Coffee Table Book
this book is not beautiful.

The pictures are poorly taken: they are snap shots that make the palms themselves look like giant weeds.

And the pictures are not large - there are 4 or more on every page.

The printing quality is poor to average - the printer was just going through the motions when producing this book.

To sum up - it may be a good reference if you're good at long latin names and cluttered, muddy photographs... but it is not in any way a beautifully made book. ... Read more

Book Description

The Academic Press Dictionary of Science and Technology is the most comprehensive, authoritative dictionary of science available. Covering 124 fields of science, the Dictionary will make a handsome addition to your reference collection.

Key Features
* Approximately 124,000 fully defined entries, not counting abbreviations--the largest range of vocabulary ever compiled in a science dictionary
* Compete coverage of 124 fields of science and technology, including Computer Science, biotechnology, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Molecular Biology, Ecology, Behavior, Astronomy, Geology, and more
* "Windows," boxed essays for each of the 124 fields, offering a brief definition of each areaits meaning, history, and implicationsby such prestigious scientists as Michael DeBakey, Stephen Jay Gould, Linus Pauling, Roger Revelle, and Jonas Salk
* Completely up-to-date definitions in such dynamic fields as Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Biotechnology
* Extensive cross-references throughout to link overlapping or equivalent entries and guide readers to the preferred terms
* More medical terms overall than any other general scientific dictionary now available
* More coverage of subfields of medicine, including Oncology, Radiology, Hematology, Cardiology, and Toxicology
* Pronunciation guides for difficult or phonetically irregular terms
* Etymologies giving the origin of important scientific terms
* Definitions that are supplemented by examples of current usage
* Abbreviations and proper names defined in the body of the text, rather than in an appendix, for easier reference
* A complete appendix of frequently consulted scientific data, including standard weights and measures and the periodic table
* A Chronology of Science listing all important milestones in the history of science from 1400 to the present
* Nearly 2,000 detailed illustrations and technical photographs, including 24 pages of color plates
* Definitions reviewed for accuracy by a panel of eminent scientist
* A single-volume, 8 ½" x 11", double-column format with boldfaced entries that offer the ready easy access to definitions
* Lightweight, acid-free paper ... Read more

Reviews (2)

EXTENSIVE, ACCESSIBLE AND WELL-ILLUSTRATED
Boasting of more than 2,400 pages of well-illustrated references and definitions, this "Academic Press Dictionary of Science and Technology" offers a fantastic value. It provides all you need in a single-volume. It is accessible and versatile. Its authority is unquestionable.
However, it biggest sin is that since 1992 it surfaced, Academic Press has failed to revise and keep it up-to-date. Also, the weight of this book is so heavy that having a CD-ROM version of it is necessary. Nevertheless, I still appreciate its value.

Erath Science through AP College Physics and beyond!
I have used this book to define every scientific term and vocabulary word assigned since freshman year in Highschool. It is a complete refrence for every aspect of the Congnitive Sciences. If you were stuck on a desert island this book will help you do everything from convert sand into a seaworthy ship to finish your honors chemestry report on the ionization of Calcitrate. What is Thermal Latency? It has the meaning as used in 8 fields of science, from Thermal Dynamics to Engineering. The book even has illustrations and models. ... Read more

Book Description

The bicycle is almost unique among human-powered machines in that it uses human muscles in a near-optimum way. This new edition of the bible of bicycle builders and bicyclists provides just about everything you could want to know about the history of bicycles, how human beings propel them, what makes them go faster, and what keeps them from going even faster. The scientific and engineering information is of interest not only to designers and builders of bicycles and other human-powered vehicles but also to competitive cyclists, bicycle commuters, and recreational cyclists.

The third edition begins with a brief history of bicycles and bicycling that demolishes many widespread myths. This edition includes information on recent experiments and achievements in human-powered transportation, including the "ultimate human- powered vehicle," in which a supine rider in a streamlined enclosure steers by looking at a television screen connected to a small camera in the nose, reaching speeds of around 80 miles per hour. It contains completely new chapters on aerodynamics, unusual human-powered machines for use on land and in water and air, human physiology, and the future of bicycling. This edition also provides updated information on rolling drag, transmission of power from rider to wheels, braking, heat management, steering and stability, power and speed, and materials. It contains many new illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Everything you ever wanted to know about cycling
I never knew that so much research was available on cycling until I read this book. The authors cover bicycle history, human power generation, wind resistance, braking, the wheel, balance, drag and many other topics. What makes this book unique is that it is not full of a lot of generalizations or "advice from a pro." This book is based on the physics and biology of human powered vehicles. It's full of charts, schematics, and formulas. Flip through some of the pages and at times you'd think that you were looking at a physics book.

If you're looking for a book to teach you how to ride in a pack, what to take on a bike tour, or which type of bike to purchase then this is not the book for you. If you're an avid cyclist and want to learn more about the science behind cycling then you'll enjoy this book.

Although this is a great book I can't give it 5 stars because of the date. It was written in 1984 and a lot has changed since then. Much of the basic science in the book remains the same but technology and bicycle materials have evolved. I hope the authors are working on an updated edition.

review of new (2004) edition
(...) Perhaps the only competitor of rock climbing for the canonical geek sport, cycling
-- for utility or amusement -- asks for a good blend of engineering and physiological savvy. For
many the hands-on tinkering of bicycle maintenance and cycling technique provides welcome
relief from more abstract manipulations in the library or office. Whether you think of cycling as the
ultimate open source engineering project, or as a handy metaphor for your computer-of-choice,
its appeal to the mechanism-oriented mind is undeniable.]

Released this April, David Gordon Wilson's updated Bicycling Science fills the gap between, on the one hand, shop
manuals and training guides, and on the other the contemporary literature on human powered vehicles. Wilson, Professor
Emeritus at MIT, navigates physics and physiology to produce a hefty source of insight.

Wilson splits his book into three broad sections -- the biology of human power generation, the physics of turning
complicated muscle motions into linear velocity, and radical redesigns of the standard diamond bicycle frame.

The first section explains, among other things, the role of oxygen uptake and distribution, and gives empirical and
theoretical backing to some, but not all, of the conventional wisdom surrounding cycling. The curious will find a detailed
explanation of why high pedal cadence allows for long-term, low-intensity, high-efficiency power generation.
Modifications to the standard choices -- from elliptical chain-wheels to hand-powered cranks -- are analyzed
critically.

The second section might be jokingly termed "extreme high school physics." Wilson explains how people intuitively
balance and steer on two wheels, and the design of braking systems to avoid flip-over. He gets down-and-dirty in the
metallurgical literature to explain the role of metal fatigue in frame failure, and into fluid dynamics to discuss air drag in
laminar and turbulent air flows.

Wilson manages to give a sense of how the different demands physics makes on all aspects of bike design cohere into the
more-or-less efficient system that we recognize today as the road and mountain bike. Wilson is an innovator, but he has a
healthy respect for current designs along with a good deal of skepticism for passing fads such as that for ultralight
components.

The final section covers Wilson's love: the radical redesigns of human powered vehicles to enable people to not only
cover vast distances or reach high speeds, but also to swim, submarine, fly and even hover or flap on the power --
between 100 and 700 W -- the "NASA standard" man or woman can provide on timescales between hours and
seconds.

The text occasionally jumps into a wider historical and social context to provide lighter relief, such as the diagrams that
compare cycling's efficiency to other modes of of transportation (cyclists handily undercut a fully loaded diesel commuter
train for calories expended per rider.) Wilson is not amused by those who would compare cyclists to dolphins or hawks in
terms of efficiency, distance, or speed -- too bad. A brief rant against cars near the end is the exception to the rule of
Wilson's professional, honest style.

Bicycling Science can be used as a handbook for the armchair designer of human powered vehicles. Or, if you prefer, as a
way to answer the nagging science questions that arise after a thoughtful bike ride. Perhaps its most inspiring use,
however, is as a bed-table compendium of stand-alone investigations into what engineers have come up with on a device
that has been perfected, again and again, for decades longer than the internal combustion engine.

Other reviews refer to previous editions
Disclosure: I am an interested party (contributor), so you may take my 'star' rating with a grain of salt. My main message is to make a point that I have also emailed to Amazon.

As of May 1, 2004 the other customer reviews posted for this title are somewhat misleading, because they refer only to the much older (second) edition. The third edition, published April 2004, is dramatically enlarged and updated -- a completely new book based on a tremendous amount of recent work. Dave Wilson and I have attempted to address all the issues to be seen in those reviews, plus many more, we hope successfully.

In this 5-year process every chapter was rewritten or even replaced outright. A great quantity of new material on history, physiology, speed calculations, aerodynamics, steering theory, human powered vehicles etc. is available nowhere else.

I encourage any scientifically curious cyclist, or bicycle industry engineer, to contribute a genuine review of the third edition, so potential readers can learn about this distinctly different book.

A cornucopia of scientific information
This is a great book mainly because it is the only one of its kind. It covers many aspects of the science of pedal power.

I find that the data supporting some of the experiments, and the conclusions from that data, could use some more flesh. For example, I'm still not entirely sure why a larger diameter wheel has less rolling resistance, but the data supports that conclusion.

I agree with other readers that the book could use an update.

Worth a look.
I think this is a great book IF you're a scientist (like me!). Like the other reviews say, it is a little dated - but results are results.
There is a wealth of info in this book, most of it is technical, and there is some fascinating things on human powered flight & HPVs.
I can't remember the exact figure that was quoted for the weights of some of the older historical bikes, but I find it hard to believe that there were such lightweights a hundred years ago (like 6kg). Knowing what I know, I just don't think it would have been feasible.

If you are interested, I wouldn't wait for an updated edition, because they might not make it, and this one is getting pretty darn hard to get. ... Read more

Book Description

Researchers around the world depend upon having access to authoritative, up-to-date data. And for 90 years, they have relied on the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics for that data. This year is no exception. New tables, extensive updates, and added sections mean the Handbook has again set a new standard for reliability, utility, and thoroughness. This edition features a completely new table of Physical Constants of Organic Compounds with data on almost 11,000 compounds, new structure diagrams, and a new, more convenient format. Reflecting CRC's dedication to ensuring the Handbook remains current, this edition also incorporates new entries and data from the U.S. Government's just-released "Tenth Report on Carcinogens." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Represents Our Technological Civilisation
Some years ago, an author in a science fiction magazine put forth a gedanken (thought experiment). Suppose you would be transported to another planet and you had to attempt to rebuild our civilisation. But you could only take 6 books with you.

What would you take?

Well, that author gave a list of his suggestions. One of which was this; well an earlier edition anyway. He pointed out something about the Rubber Handbook, which is what anyone who regularly uses this book calls it. So easy to take for granted, because in any lab, you can usually rummage around and find some edition of it. But it represents millions of hours of engineering and research to measure and collate its results.

If there is one book that summarises the engineering of our civilisation, it is this.

Always nice to see CRC continually updating it. But having said the above, whether you need this latest edition is another matter. The changes are incremental. If you have an older edition, and there is no specific reason to upgrade, then you probably shouldn't. Note that I did not say never. Just tell yourself you can defer it till next year. Then, at that time, ask yourself again. ... Read more

Book Description

Over fifty years ago,Vannevar Bush released his enormouslyinfluential report, Science, the Endless Frontier, which asserted adichotomy between basic and applied science. This view was at the coreof the compact between government and science that led to the goldenage of scientific research after World War II--a compact that iscurrently under severe stress. In this book, Donald Stokes challengesBush's view and maintains that we can only rebuild the relationshipbetween government and the scientific community when we understand whatis wrong with that view.

Stokes begins with an analysis of thegoals of understanding and use in scientific research. He recasts thewidely accepted view of the tension between understanding and use,citing as a model case the fundamental yet use-inspired studies bywhich Louis Pasteur laid the foundations of microbiology a century ago.Pasteur worked in the era of the "second industrial revolution," whenthe relationship between basic science and technological change assumedits modern form. Over the subsequent decades, technology has beenincreasingly science-based. But science has been increasinglytechnology-base--with the choice of problems and the conduct ofresearch often inspired by societal needs. An example is the work ofthe quantum-effects physicists who are probing the phenomena ofsemiconductors from the time of the transistor's discovery after WorldWar II.

On this revised, interactive view of science andtechnology, Stokes builds a convincing case that by recognizign theimportance of use-inspired basic research we can frame a new compactbetween science and government. His conclusions have major implicationsfor both the scientific and policy communities and will be of greatinterest to those in the broader public who are troubled by the currentrole of basic science in American democracy. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

How to make science more accountable?
This book is not about antiscientism, it is about accountibality of science funding. There are several economical myths related to the state policy of basic science funding. Two of them : "..basic research is performed without thought of practical ends" and "...basic research is the pacemaker of technological progress" as well as famous Baconian "linear model",( a sequence extending from basic science to technology: basic science - applied research - development - production and operations) are dramatically reevaluated and critizied in the reviewing book. The most important implications of agruments presented in this well written book are: a) Basic science must be accountable as any other state funding activities and based on "informed judgments of research promise and social need"; b) Progress of science and technology have "semiautonomous trajectories", therefore state investment in basic research does not provide progress in the technology and economical growth. It looks like it is a good time "to end" so-called "endless frontiers" of unaccountable spending of taxpayer's money for funding useless basic science research. Everybody who is interested in the basic science funding policy must read this excellent book. It demonstrates a difference between the economical reality and propaganda of illusions. ... Read more

Book Description

Simulation is integral to the successful design of modern radar systems, and there is arguably no better software for this purpose than MATLAB. But software and the ability to use it does not guarantee success. One must also:ÖUnderstand radar operations and design philosophyÖKnow how to select the radar parameters to meet the design requirementsÖBe able to perform detailed trade-off analysis in the context of radar sizing, modes of operation, frequency selection, waveforms, and signal processingÖDevelop loss and error budgets associated with the design MATLAB Simulations for Radar Systems Design teaches all of this and provides the M-files and hands-on simulation experience needed to design and analyze radar systems. Part I forms a comprehensive description of radar systems, their analysis, and the design process. The authors' unique approach involves a design case study introduced in Chapter 1 and followed throughout the text. As the treatment progresses, the complexity increases and the case study requirements are adjusted accordingly. Part II presents a series of chapters-some authored by other experts in the field-on specialized radar topics important to a full understanding of radar systems design and analysis.A comprehensive set of MATLAB programs and functions support both parts of the book and are available for download from the CRC Press Web site. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This book is right on the money !!!
I have used both of Dr. Mahafza's previous radar books (1. Introduction to Radar Analysis and 2. Radar Systems Analysis and Design Using MATLAB) as reference guides and study aids on a regular basis and realize this third book (that I have added to my Radar Book Reference collection) will get a lot of mileage. I had been looking for a book that provided a start to finish tutorial on radars. This book is right on the money. This book is truly an engineering reference for radar engineers. I have found the MATLAB code easy to understand and have used some of the examples in this book to assist me with my radar tasks. This book discusses topics that are important to all radar engineers such as Clutter Mitigation, Signal Processing, and Target Tracking. I recommend this book to anyone interested in radar and look forward to more quality radar related books by Dr. Mahafza and his associates. ... Read more

Book Description

A standard reference for chemists for 70 years, this new Sixteenth Edition features an enormous compilation of facts, data, tabular material, and experimental findings in every area of chemistry.Included in this massive compendium are listings of the properties of approximately 4,400 organic and 1,400 inorganic compounds. This Sixteenth Edition offers 40% new or extensively revised content and starting with this edition, the author includes equations that allow users to calculate important values such as temperature and pressure.

Contents: Organic Compounds * General Information, Conversion Tables, and Mathematics * Inorganic Compounds * Properties of Atom, Radicals, and Bonds * Physical Properties * Thermodynamic Properties * Spectroscopy * Electrolytes, Electromotive Force and Chemicals * Physicochemical Relationships * Polymers, Rubbers,Fats, Oils, and Waxes * Practical Laboratory Information ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Essential Tool for Any Working Chemist
Very few refrences works these days seem indispensable or can be easily found on-line. However Lange's Handbook is the essential tool for any working chemist.
Excerpt: This new edition, the fifth under the aegis of the present editor, remains the one-volume source of factual information for chemists, both professionals and students-the first place in which to "look it up" on the spot. The aim is to provide sufficient data to satisfy all one's general needs without recourse to other reference sources. A user will find this volume of value as a time-saver because of the many tables of numerical data that have been especially compiled.
Descriptive properties for a basic group of approximately 4300 organic compounds are compiled in Section 1, an increase of 300 entries. All entries are listed alphabetically according to the senior prefix of the name. The data for each organic compound include (where available) name, structural formula, formula weight, Beilstein reference (or if un- available, the entry to the Merck Index, 12th ed.), density, refractive index, melting point, boiling point, flash point, and solubility (citing numerical values if known) in water and various common organic solvents. Structural formulas either too com¬plex or too ambiguous to be rendered as line formulas are grouped at the bottom of each facing dou¬ble page on which the entries appear. Alternative names, as well as trivial names of long-standing usage, are listed in their respective alphabetical order at the bottom of each double page in the regular alphabetical sequence. Another feature that assists the user in locating a desired entry is the empirical formula index.
Section 2 on General Information, Conversion Tables, and Mathematics has had the table on general conversion factors thoroughly reworked. Similarly the material on Statistics in Chemical Analysis has had its contents more than doubled.
Descriptive properties for a basic group of inorganic compounds are compiled in Section 3, which has undergone a small increase in the number of entries. Many entries under the column "Solubility" supply the reader with precise quantities dissolved in a stated solvent and at a given temperature. Several portions of Section 4, Properties of Atoms, Radicals, and Bonds, have been significantly enlarged. For example, the entries under "Ionization Energy of Molecular and Radical Species" now number 740 and have an additional column with the enthalpy of formation of the ions. Likewise, the table on "Electron Affinities of the Elements, Molecules, and Radicals" now contains about 225 entries. The Table of Nuclides has material on additional radionuclides, their radiations, and the neu¬tron capture cross sections.
Revised material for Section 5 includes the material on surface tension, viscosity, dielectric con¬stant, and dipole moment for organic compounds. In order to include more data at several tempera¬tures, the material has been divided into two separate tables. Material on surface tension and viscosity constitute the first table with 715 entries; included is the temperature range of the liquid phase. Material on dielectric constant and dipole moment constitute another table of 1220 entries. The additional data at two or more temperatures permit interpolation for intermediate temperatures and also permit limited extrapolation of the data. The Properties of Combustible Mixtures in Air has been revised and expanded to include over 450 compounds. Flash points are to be found in Section 1. Completely revised are the tables on Thermal Conductivity for gases, liquids, and solids. Van der Waals' constants for gases have been brought up to date and expanded to over 500 substances.
Section 6, which includes Enthalpies and Gibbs Energies of Formation, Entropies, and Heat Capacities of Organic and Inorganic Compounds, and Heats of Melting, Vaporization, and Sublimation and Specific Heat at Various Temperatures for organic and inorganic compounds, has expanded by
11 pages, but the major additions have involved data in columns where it previously was absent. More material has also been included for critical temperature, critical pressure, and critical volume.
The section on Spectroscopy has been retained but with some revisions and expansion. The section includes ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray spectrometry. Detection limits are listed for the elements when using flame emission, flame atomic absorption, electrothermal atomic absorption, argon induction coupled plasma, and flame atomic fluorescence. Nuclear magnetic resonance embraces tables for the nuclear properties of the elements, proton chemical shifts and coupling constants, and similar material for carbon-13, boron-11, nitrogen-15, fluorine-19, silicon-29, and phosphorus-31.
In Section 8, the material on solubility constants has been doubled to 550 entries. Sections on proton transfer reactions, including some at various temperatures, formation constants of metal com¬plexes with organic and inorganic ligands, buffer solutions of all types, reference electrodes, indicators, and electrode potentials are retained with some revisions. The material on conductance has been revised and expanded, particularly in the table on limiting equivalent ionic conductance.
Everything in Sections 9 and 10 on physiochemical relationships, and on polymers, rubbers, fats, oils, and waxes, respectively, has been retained.
Section 11, Practical Laboratory Information, has undergone significant changes and expansion. Entries in the table on "Molecular Elevation of the Boiling Point" have been increased. McReynolds' constants for stationary phases in gas chromatography have been reorganized and expanded. The guide to ion-exchange resins and discussion is new and embraces all types of column packing and membrane materials. Gravimetric factors have been altered to reflect the changes in atomic weights for several elements. Newly added are tables listing elements precipitated by general analytical reagents, and giving equations for the redox determination of the elements with their equivalent weights. Discussion on the topics of precipitation and complexometric titration include primary standards and indicators for each analytical technique. A new topic of masking and demasking agents includes discussion and tables of masking agents for various elements, for anions and neutral molecules, and common demasking agents. A table has been added listing the common amino acids with their pI and pKa values and their 3-letter and I-letter abbreviations. Lastly a 9-page table lists the threshold limit value (TL V) for gases and vapors.
... Read more

Book Description

From science fair entrants to Nobel laureates, researchers around the world depend upon having access to authoritative, up-to-date data. And for nearly 90 years, they have relied on the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics for that data.This year is no exception. New tables, extensive updates, and added sections mean the Handbook has once again set a new standard for reliability, utility, and thoroughness.Outstanding features of the 83rdedition:·Standard Thermodynamic Properties of Chemical Substances-Thoroughly revised with new substances and updated values·Ionization constants for buffers used in biological research-Definitive data that allow the correct interpretation of experiments·Directory of Physical and Chemical Data Sources-A selective listing of the most reliable sources of physical and chemical properties data, including data journals, data centers, major handbooks, and Internet sites ·Atomic weights-Updated with the latest changes adopted by IUPAC in 2001Other refinements and new topics include:·Atomic and Molecular Polarizabilities Updated·Characteristic Bond Lengths in Free Molecules New!·Correction of Barometer Readings to 0°C Temperature New!·Electron AffinitiesUpdated·Eutectic Temperatures of Low-Melting Alloys New!·Nuclear Spins and Moments for NMR Spectroscopy Updated·Permittivity of Water as a Function of Temperature and Pressure New!·Sensitivity of the Human Eye to Light of Different Wavelengths New!·Thermodynamic Functions and RelationsNew!·Vapor Pressure of Mercury New!·Viscosity and Density of Concentrated Hydroxide Solutions New!·Viscosity of Liquid Metals New! ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Absolutely Essential for Physical Scientists
For those that for some reason work in the realm of physical science that have never heard of this book: Buy it now. It is essential. Probably the greatest reference book for the physical sciences ever bound under one cover. Contains tables, pictures and formulas that are essential to working in science. THE refernce book.

Excellent source of conversion tables&chemistry information
This book contains several different tables including: conversion tables for nearly every conceivable unit of measure, physical properties of thousands of organic and inorganic compounds, minerals, chemical bond strength information, superconductors, semiconductors, caloric values of food, polymers

A FORMIDABLE SUPERLATIVE GEM
Very useful and very relevant, nearly all the chapters of this edition of "CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics" have been revised. The book is up-to-date, and provides extensive coverage on all the significant physico-chemical phenomena. Chemists, physicists, biochemists, engineers, pharmacists, and other scientists and professionals would value this textbook. Its CD-ROM version would be of great benefit to mobile users.
I was impressed by the way it analyzed molecular interactions in each of the three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. Electron transfer, and transformations of pure substances were the focus here. Its biochemical section simplified many of the physiological reactions that are often considered complex.
In the same vein, I am certain that most readers would appreciate the classical exposure which optics, thermodynamics, geophysics, nuclear chemistry, and atomic physics sections received. All the recent advances in rotational and vibrational spectroscopy were included. David Lide did a commendable job in moulding this 2700-paged single-volume gem.
Each chapter indulged in practical analysis; with suggestions on how to improve day-to-day applications. Safety measures, as well as guidelines on how to cope with industrial and laboratory hazards were provided. Also, further information sources were made avalaible in one of its numerous appendices.
This is surely an outstanding text: no major weaknesses! It is a formidable reference tool that would please scientists and allied professionals. I recommend it with all pleasure!

a critical reference for chemists
While this doesn't contain *everything* for a single topic, it certainly contains all that a chemist usually needs for easy reference about chemistry and physics.

If you (or your current copy of the CRC) are a bit older, you'll probably find some sections in the new edition missing - e.g., no more trigonometry tables with the proliferation of cheap calculators - and new things added. This is the sort of book which has SO much stuff, you will never use it all - but it will (almost) always be able to help you.

This is the one reference book I was willing to pay for out of pocket, whether or not my employer paid for it.

I found a 1927 copy of this at a used book store a few years ago ... - I still have it, and believe it or not, I do use it. It's got really neat stuff the modern editions don't. Which is why you shouldn't hesitate to drop [money] for one today. It will still be useful 60 years from now.

This is not the sort of thing I would replace annually!

What's to say?
This is THE reference book used by all chemists and physicists. If you need it, buy it. Beats fighting over old beat up copies at school or library. ... Read more

Book Description

The Encyclopedia of Paleontology is designed to address the shortage of general reference works on both vertebrate and invertebrate paleontology and to serve the needs of students and lay persons interested in the field. As the encyclopedia aims to provide basic information, the majority of the 350 entries are devoted to explanations of paleontological concepts and techniques, examinations of the evolutionary development of particular organisms and biological features, profiles of major discoveries, and biographies of leading scientists. Each entry includes an essay and a further reading list. An international team of 200 leading experts in the field has prepared the illustrations and the essays, which range from concise descriptions to comprehensive discussions. ... Read more

Book Description

From basic principles of luminescence to innovative technical applications, Phosphor Handbook will serve as the definitive resource on phosphors. Considering all the major changes in the field of phosphors, the editors have produced the most current and comprehensive reference available today.Contributed by noted worldwide scientists and engineers, the handbook serves a ready audience among researchers in the field of luminescence.This book completely describes:opowder phosphors, including information on solid state laser materials and organic ELoproperties and technical applications of phosphors, including the principal classes of phosphors, procedures to synthesize and manufacture these phosphors, manner of deployment, and materials that emit light under various kinds of excitationocurrent developments of phosphor materials required in advanced display technologies, such as UV Plasma Display and Field Emission Display (FED)oexperimental techniques characterizing materials in their initial and final formsOther provisos include:otutorials of fundamental physical and chemical properties of phosphor materialsodescriptions of optical properties of phosphor materialsoprofiles on methods of synthesis and manufacture of all practical phosphorsoanalysis of experimental procedures for the optical characterization of raw phosphors and the creation of display devices or lampsospecification of physical and optical requirements for all applications of phosphors in lighting and display technologiesJapanese industry has and will continue to play a key role in developing these applications, and many contributors to this volume acted as principals in the progress discussed.Display technologies will increase in importance, and no cohesive or comprehensive treatise exists - from basic to applied - on the nature, properties, synthesis, characterization, manufacture, and handling of phosphor materials in lighting and display technologies and applications. This exceptional handbook rectifies this deficiency, serving as the defining resource for all those engaged in research or in the application of phosphor materials - regardless of whether they are newcomers or veterans in this endeavor. ... Read more

Book Description

Combining excellent science with accessible style, the Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals is an indispensable resource on the fascinating warm-blooded creatures of the sea. The contributions of more than 200 leading international authorities have made this single volume the guide for studyig the entire range of marine mammals.

Organized alphabetically, more the 280 articles are devoted to wide range of topics -- from the specific behavior and physiology of cetaceans and pinnipeds, to ecology, population biology, human effects and interaction, and research methodology.

Up-to-date, accessible, and scientifically sound, the Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals will occupy a central place in any marine science library.

KEY FEATURES
*Complete Species List, featuring both living and extinct mammals;
*Comprehensive Glossary with definitions for more than 1,000 specialized terms;
*Extensive cross-referencing between articles;
*Abundant visual resources -- photographs, line drawings, maps, tables, and figures

KEY FEATURES
*Complete Species List, featuring both living and extinct mammals
*Comprehensive Glossary with definitions for more than 1,000 specialized terms
*Extensive cross-referencing between articles
*Abundant visual resources -- photographs, line drawings, maps, tables, and figures ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A must have for every student of marine mammalogy!
This book is easy to use and provides comprehensive information for such a variety of topics that every student of marine mammals should have it in their library. I recommend it to students who are just starting their journey into marine mammal studies! ... Read more

Book Description

Chemoinformatics draws upon techniques from many disciplines including computer science, mathematics, computational chemistry and data visualisation to tackle these problems.

This, the first text written specifically for this field, aims to provide an introduction to the major techniques of chemoinformatics. The first part of the book deals with the representation of 2D and 3D molecular structures, the calculation of molecular descriptors and the construction of mathematical models. The second part describes other important topics including molecular similarity and diversity, the analysis of large data sets, virtual screening, and library design. Simple illustrative examples are used throughout to illustrate key concepts, supplemented with case studies from the literature.

The book is aimed at graduate students, final-year undergraduates, and professional scientists. No prior knowledge is assumed other than a familiarity with chemistry and some basic mathematical concepts. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Everything you ever wanted to know about the sun, the powerhouse of our galaxy, sustaining life on earth, driving the weather, providing warmth and light--and, directly or indirectly, almost all the energy that plants and animals use.

Less a classic encyclopedia than a topic-by-topic textbook introducing readers to all things solar, astronomer Lang's compendium offers the very latest scientific views on a range of matters, from fundamental constants to the composition of sunlight, from the role of sunspots in terrestrial weather and human history to the methods scientists use to forecast such phenomena today, from the origins of the universe to days to come--when, 7 billion years from now, the "aging Sun will swell up to become a giant star," one that will spread to occupy the space the earth now occupies, and far beyond. Abundant photographs, charts, and line drawings, all very well made, accompany the text, which also includes a recent bibliography and a glossary of current terms.

Highly useful for students of astronomy and space science, this attractive volume will require little updating for years to come, and it serves as the best single general reference work on the subject. --Gregory McNamee ... Read more

Reviews (1)

What you should know about the nearest star
This is a very nice book that will be of interest both to amateur astronomers and people with good physics background. The author separated descriptive text from text with mathematical content and as a result one can choose to read in a depth appropriate to their background. The book is also very well illustrated with informative captions below each picture. It is clear that the author is enthusiastic about the subject. However, what I did not like was that almost 100 from the 250 pages are devoted to general astronomical concepts and a glossary. This material is good but I would prefer to read more details about the sun. If the introduction explained solar physics (such as magnetism, spectra) in much more detail then subsequent chapters would be understood even better. I recommend the book to all people with a serious interest in the physics of our star. ... Read more

Book Description

Electrochemical processes play an increasingly large role in our daily lives; whether in producing or saving energy, rust protection or nerve stimuli in our bodies. This 11-volume encyclopedia provides both an easy introduction to all topics related to modern electrochemistry as well as a comprehensive overview of the subject.

Unrivalled in its breadth and depth, this first-class reference work has been created and written by renowned scientists, covering everything from fundamental research to areas of application.

Editors-in-Chief: Allen Bard, Martin Stratmann

Volume 1: Thermodynamics and Electrified Interfaces (Editors: Eliezer Gileadi, Micheal Urbakh)
Volume 2: Interfacial Kinetics and Mass Transport (Editor: Ernesto Julio Calvo)
Volume 3: Instrumentation and Electroanalytical Chemistry (Editor: Pat Unwin)
Volume 4: Corrosion and Oxide Films (Editors: Martin Stratmann, Gerald S. Frankel)
Volume 5: Electrochemical Engineering (Editor: Digby D. Macdonald)
Volume 6: Semiconductor Electrodes and Photoelectrochemistry (Editor: Stuart Licht)
Volume 7: Inorganic Electrochemistry (Editors: William E. Geiger, Chris Pickett)
Volume 8: Organic Electrochemistry (Editor: Hans J. Schäfer)
Volume 9: Bioelectrochemistry (Editor: George S. Wilson)
Volume 10: Modified Electrodes (Editors: Israel Rubinstein, Masamichi Fujihira)
Volume 11: Index ... Read more

Book Description

Volcanoes are unquestionably one of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring features of the physical world. Our paradoxical fascination with them stems from their majestic beauty and powerful, if sometimes deadly, destructiveness.
Notwithstanding the tremendous advances in volcanology since ancient times, some of the mystery surrounding volcanic eruptions remains today. The Encyclopedia of Volcanoes summarizes our present knowledge of volcanoes. Through its thematic organization around the melting of the earth, it provides a comprehensive source of information on the multidisciplinary influences of volcanic eruptions--both the destructive as well as the beneficial aspects.
The majority of the chapters focus on the geoscience-related aspects of volcanism (radioactive heat source, melting rock, ascent of magma, surface phenomena associated with exiting magma, extraterrestrial volcanism, etc.). In addition, complementary chapters discuss the multidisciplinary aspects of volcanism; these include the history of volcanology, geothermal energy resources, interaction with the oceans and atmosphere, health aspects of volcanism, mitigation of volcanic disasters, post-eruption ecology, and the impact of eruptions on organismal biodiversity.

In addition to its appeal to educators, students, and professional andamateur scientists, the Encyclopedia of Volcanoes functions as an important information resource for administrators and officials responsible for developing and implementing volcanic hazard mitigation around the world.

*The first and only reference work to cover all aspects of volcanology
*More than 80 separate peer-reviewed articles--all original contributions by leading authors from major institutions of science around the world, commissioned for this work
*An integrated transition from the volcanic process through hazards, risk, and societal impacts, with an emphasis on how volcanoes have influenced and shaped society
*Convenient single-volume format with topics arranged thematically--articles provide coverage of nine different aspects of volcanology
*Each entry in the Encyclopedia begins with an outline of the article content and a concise definition of the subject of the article
*3,000 Glossary entries explain key terms
*Further Reading lists appear at the end of each entry
*Extensive cross-referencing system links related articles
*Sixteen pages of color will convey the science and excitement of this often violent phenomena
*Large 8 1/2" x 11" page size, easy-to-read double-column format ... Read more

Reviews (6)

...from a student's perspective...
I found this text to be incredibly useful, especially considering the noticable dearth of textbooks dealing with volcanoes. The encyclopedia is comprehensible, yet in depth, and covers a broad range of topics. Whenever I have a volcano question I start here first!

EXCELLENT
An excellent book. Written by some of the worlds most renowed experts-one of whom I am fortunate enough to know!
The book is well worth the money as every aspect of volcanology is covered.
I would recommend this book to anyone with a serious intest in volcanology.

The state of the science
Great compendium of volcanology. Especially thrilling to an older geologist to see the advances in knowledge since we got out of school; for instance, seismic tomography has mapped actual magma chambers, which were semi-mythic suppositions in my undergrad day; and lo, there is the anatomy of the very volcanoes I grew up under. The book comprises dozens of specially submitted articles by diverse international authors, so you get many perspectives, not just of different disciplines, but of authors' sense of how they relate to others.

Flawed by abundant typos. The editing of this book is a great advance over say The Solar System by the same Academic Press, which was a mangled turnip; but they still have a ways to go. It is disappointing to see major scientific works bungled by bottom line that slashes proofing. NASA is probably largely responsible for the Solar System mess (Sally Ride, take a course in remedial english!). Geologists are a lot more meticulous than astronauts. But the buck shd stop with the publisher.

So buy this book and complain to Academic Press. Buy it before it goes out of print and you have to kick yourself; it will be long before the like comes again.

The King of Volcano References
As a master's student studying volcanology and remote sensing, and a research assistant at the Alaska Volcano Observatory, I can honestly say this is it! From the depths of the mantle on Earth to the dynamic volcanism on Juptier's moon Io, the large team of authors and editors cover every aspect of volcanology possible in this 1,000 + page book. The book is extremely organized, complete with a detailed index, large glossary, and most importantly, references to journal publications. The book also uses high quality images and photos (black and white and in color), as well as scientific graphs, tables, and plots of data when necessary. Despite being written by such a wide array of scientists from all over the world, this encyclopedia is written with both volcanologists and the lay person in mind. This impressive compilation is well worth the price.

The best book I ever read.
This book is the best! There isn't anything that the average person isn't able to understand.This book was written by people that have a passon for what they do and love. My hat is off to DR. Sigurdsson for giveing us this masterpice. ... Read more

Book Description

The holistic paradigm, Gaia, deep ecology, new alchemy, all have a hidden ancestor: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832). At the young age of twenty-one, Rudolf Steiner was chosen to edit Goethe’s scientific writings for a new collection of Goethe’s complete works. Goethe’s literary genius was already universally acknowledged; it was Steiner’s task to understand and comment on Goethe’s unique scientific achievement. Rudolf Steiner recognized the compelling power of Goethe’s work with nature and developed Goethe’s theory of knowledge in remarkable and far-reaching ways. Here, in fact, began Steiner’s own training in epistemology and spiritual science.

Natural science had created a powerful tool for understanding the inorganic world, but failed to comprehend the phenomenon of life. Goethe discovered how thinking could be applied to organic nature, and he understood that this experience requires not just rational concepts but a whole new way of perceiving. This volume, Steiner’s introduction to Goethe, is nothing less than a re-visioning of what it means to know the world.

In an age when science and technology have been linked to great catastrophes, many are seeking a different way to address nature. With a fundamental declaration of the interpenetration of our consciousness and the world, Rudolf Steiner shows in Nature’s Open Secret how Goethe’s approach points the way to a more compassionate, intimate involvement with nature. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Every step you take in A Walk Through Time moves you millions of years forward in Earth's history. Inspired by the idea of a one-mile stroll through the evolution of life, Sidney Liebes recruited some terrific writers and artists to create a traveling museum exhibit; A Walk Through Time summarizes the experience in book form, with the help of fascinating photos and intelligent, enjoyable text. The most profound realization along this temporal journey is just how small a part human history plays in the big time line. In the museum exhibit, where one foot equals one million years, human presence takes up all of one-thousandth of an inch; in the book's time line, we merit barely a speck. Our tiniest living fellows--the bacteria and blue-green algae, the amazing arthropods, the merging microbes--are the real stars of the show. Readers are treated to intriguing views of bizarre organisms like tardigrades, velvet worms, and lichens ("Taking everything we know about algae and fungi, we still never would have predicted the outcome of their synergy"), along with the microbes that once ruled the earth. Only at the very end of the line, long after the development of sexual reproduction, after the great Cretaceous extinction, after the development of flight and fur, will you find humans.Taking this walk is a great lesson in perspective, a cautionary tale about hubris and longevity that every human should read. --Therese Littleton ... Read more

Reviews (8)

An exciting dance through time.
I never had the opportunity to see the "Walk Through Time" exhibition, initiated by Sidney Liebes and supported by Hewlett-Packard, but it must have been a marvelous experience. What rivets my attention in this book, however, even more than the beautiful pictures of the exhibit, is the text written by Elisabet Sahtouris, who expresses her own "cosmovision" with an incomparable eloquence and vitality. While her words are grounded solidly in the most advanced theoretical and empirical evolutionary science, she takes the reader not on a walk but an exciting dance through time. If I were asked to recommend just one book that best told the story of how the universe conspired to bring us into being this would be it. It's a real "roots" story but the roots are not merely those of a particular individual or family or species but of all life, reaching back to the point where time itself loses meaning.

Keith Chandler, author of Beyond Civilization

most interesting book i've read in years!
this is the most interesting book i've read in years; prof. liebes presents the history of evolution from stardust to us, at the end of the book one relizes that all of us humans are actually single cells of a larger life form, the planet earth. In an informative and easy to read way, "a walk through time" presents a holistic theory of evolution that emphasises symbiotic co-evolution of geo-bio-matter admidst the theme that while life starts out in a state of competition, all life forms even on a cellular level learn to cooperate, develop symbiotic relationships that enable life to first develop and then evolve billions of years to present day. the glory of the sheer will of all life,(particularly at the cellular level) reminds me very much of shoupenhauer,nieztche,spinoza, henri bergson and hegal. i would recomend this book to all people,especially those who enjoy philosophy and those theologians seeking a more meaning cosmology.

A global view which necessary means a lack of details
I've just terminated to read this book and it was very interesting in many respects: - The text is well written and a pleasure to read; - Sometimes you have a fact per line, which shows the incredible work done by the author to synthesize a huge amount of knowledge on the subject; - Essential things are said and you'll have doors open for further readings; - The fact that timescale is respected as the text goes on gives a striking perspective of life's evolution over the millions and millions of years; - The first stage of evolution (unicelled creatures) is longly explained; - The incredible role of living creatures (especially bacteria) in shaping our planet is highlighted; - Emphasis is put on the unity of life in it's diversity.

But there are some shortages : - Pictures are of poor print quality; - There is a lack of details, especially after the microbial stage.

Globally speaking, if you want the life's story before animals and plants, it's a good book, but otherwise, the Book of Life by S. J. Gould is better. However, in my opinion, it's a good buy and one can learn many many things by reading this book.

The interconnected web of existence
A Walk Through Time - From Stardust to Us - The evolution of Life on Earth.

A Walk Through Time (AWTT) is an incredibly well done book, from all aspects. The artwork and printing make it suitable for display and the content challenges us to re-think our position in the world and the decisions we are making.

The explanation of evolution is both plausible and understandable to the lay person. Yet the mystery of life is not diminished or hidden, so there is more than enough room for those who understand our existence through their love of God.

Beginning more than 5,000 MYA (5,000 Million Years Ago, or 5 Billion Years Ago) we are told, the "universe did indeed begin in an explosion of energy powerful enough to send all matter flying apart for billions of years into the future." From that starting point, AWTT traces with considerable detail the evolution of our living earth of which we are a part. And everywhere the mystery of "the life force" is to be found.

One can read the prose or follow the exhibition text along the bottom of the pages, or take in both to re-enforce what is being explained. Sidney Liebes managed to convince HP of the merits of creating a 1mile "walk through time." That project is staffed by volunteers and has been presented in a dozen venues in three countries. The "exhibition text" mentioned above is from that project.

The final paragraph of the book summarizes the challenge for our existence in this totally interconnected web of life. "Is it possible that a sense of awe, wonder and humility, of origins, place, possibilities, and recovery of a belief in the sacredness of nature, can, and perhaps must, become operational imperatives in guiding humanity into the future? Rather than pondering the illusive purpose of life, can we not accept and appreciate the gift, live the life we are given, respect all life, and preserve options for the future. Though none of us has the power to control the future, each of us is free to determine how we will contribute to the circumstance out of which the future will evolve."

Perhaps the purpose of life is simply to ensure that life continues. Then there is much in this book to set us on the right path.

A Wonderful Way to View Life's History
Keith Cowing, Editor of the Astrobiology Web: I grew up in Meriden Connecticut in the 1960's, and like most boys, was fascinated by dinosaurs. Lucky for me, we lived an easy half hour drive from the Peabody Museum at Yale University. One of the most prominent features at the museum for half a century is a large mural by Rudolph F. Zallinger high above the Great Hall of Dinosaurs. This mural was often used in a number of Time-Life books (which I devoured) to depict the march of time and evolution of life. As such, this mural - and its linear format -long ago became fixed as the mental template with which I view and interpret the history of life on Earth. In the Summer of 1997 I had the opportunity to attend a Gordon Conference on the origin of life. One of the poster sessions featured a rather unusual presentation: a series of images describing the origin and evolution of life on Earth - from inorganic chemistry to humans. The pictures were arrayed in a linear fashion in the hallway outside the meeting room. This was a small version of Sid Liebes' wonderful 'Walk Through Time ... from stardust to us; A Five Billion Year Walk' exhibit. When implemented in its full-blown configuration (one mile long) one can spend a leisurly hour or so walking through time. Now Sid and his co-authors have managed to capture this exhibit in a book. 'A Walk Through Time' captures that exhibit in a portable format - with a text deftly designed to both teach the novice as well as entertain the seasoned biologist. Topics range from the formation of the very elements that compose our star, our planet, and ourselves through the formation of our solar system - and Earth. As the book continues, it describes the deposition of the ingredients for life on Earth, life's appearance, diversification, and expansion across this planet - all in a sequential fashion. A chronological timeline on the bo