Reviews (2)

Entheogens: Professional Listing
"The Healing Forest" has been selected for listing in "Religion and Psychoactive Sacraments: An Entheogen Chrestomathy." http://www.csp.org/chrestomathy

Excellent
Technical, but excellent. Photos are stunning ... Read more

Book Description

Designed to enable newcomers to electrophysiology to choose appropriate preparations and techniques for in vitro studies in vertebrate neurobiology. Emphasizes techniques involving the glass micropipette and other recently developed methods, supplementing easy-to-follow instructions with illustrative schemes, examples of original records, photomicrographs, key word listings, comprehensive reference tables and a list of suppliers and key equipment and reagents. ... Read more

Book Description

This investigation of the overwhelming appeal of quantification in the modern world discusses the development of cultural meanings of objectivity over two centuries. How are we to account for the current prestige and power of quantitative methods? The usual answer is that quantification is seen as desirable in social and economic investigation as a result of its successes in the study of nature. Theodore Porter is not content with this. Why should the kind of success achieved in the study of stars, molecules, or cells be an attractive model for research on human societies? he asks. And, indeed, how should we understand the pervasiveness of quantification in the sciences of nature? In his view, we should look in the reverse direction: comprehending the attractions of quantification in business, government, and social research will teach us something new about its role in psychology, physics, and medicine.

Drawing on a wide range of examples from the laboratory and from the worlds of accounting, insurance, cost-benefit analysis, and civil engineering, Porter shows that it is "exactly wrong" to interpret the drive for quantitative rigor as inherent somehow in the activity of science except where political and social pressures force compromise. Instead, quantification grows from attempts to develop a strategy of impersonality in response to pressures from outside. Objectivity derives its impetus from cultural contexts, quantification becoming most important where elites are weak, where private negotiation is suspect, and where trust is in short supply.

Reviews (1)

The Pursuit of Objectivity in Science and Public Life
We have become a nation infatuated by, even dominated by, numbers. Our newspapers spew torrents of "statistics" - so many billions of dollars of this, or such and such percentage of that - and we humbly accept what we would certainly protest if it were presented in plain English.

It wasn't always so. Ted Porter, in "Trust in Numbers", goes back in time and traces the history of quantification from farmers and merchants, to engineers and accountants, and finally to the scientific community. It's tempting to assuming that this represents progress, an improvement in our ability and willingness to be objective and accurate.

"The language of pure and applied science suggests that quantitative professionals pursue rigor and objectivity except so far as political pressures force them to compromise their ideals. But this is exactly wrong. Objectivity derives its impetus, and also its shape and meaning, from cultural, including political, contexts."

Quantification, asserts Porter, is a "social technology". It arises out of the fundamental mistrust of strangers for one another as "communities" of experts become fractured and need to assert their credentials in the face of untrusting bureaucracy.

Porter quotes Richard Hammond: "In a country where the distrust of government is rife, the temptation to substitute supposedly impersonal calculation for personal, responsible decisions and to rely on the expert rather than size up the situation by oneself, cannot be but exceedingly strong."

This might all be interesting, but acceptable, if "objective" quantification were truly as pure and reliable as we assume. However, Porter goes into some detail into the difficulties the French Corps des Ponts et Chaussées and the US Corps of Engineers have had in quantifying the effect of their work on communities in order to cost justify them. If this book had been written more recently, it might have also noted the difficulties Enron and WorldCom had in quantifying their work, even under the eagle eyes of the SEC and so many "financial experts".

If Porter is correct in his interpretation of the reason for our unquestioning and lazy trust in numbers, then we need to drastically alter our education system. Here's Porter quoting Richard Hofstadter:

"The truth is that much of American education aims, simply and brazenly, to turn out experts who are not experts or men of culture at all."

The author of "Trust in Numbers" need never fear such derogation. His book is erudite and elegant and a pleasure to read. ... Read more

Book Description

This second edition is an enlarged, completely updated, and extensively revised version of the authoritative first edition. It is devoted to the detailed study of illuminating specific problems of nonlinear elasticity, directed toward the scientist, engineer, and mathematician who wish to see careful treatments of precisely formulated problems. Special emphasis is placed on the role of nonlinear material response. The mathematical tools from nonlinear analysis are given self-contained presentations where they are needed. This book begins with chapters on (geometrically exact theories of) strings, rods, and shells, and on the applications of bifurcation theory and the calculus of variations to problems for these bodies. The book continues with chapters on tensors, three-dimensional continuum mechanics, three-dimensional elasticity, large-strain plasticity, general theories of rods and shells, and dynamical problems. Each chapter contains a wealth of interesting, challenging, and tractable exercises.

Reviews (1)

Outstanding
For anyone interested in trilobites, this is a fantastic book. The photography is superb, many of the specimens pictured are incredibly complete and masterfully prepared. It is amazing how many species of this extinct creature are preserved in New York. Not only are there wonderful photos, but excellent background and stratigraphic information to make the treatise complete. These authors know their subject. Clearly a lot of effort went into this book, and it shows. And the glorious photo on the front cover makes it a book you want to leave out on the coffee table. ... Read more

Book Description

Introduces readers to the breadth of information sources in the fields of science and technology as well as to their applications. ... Read more

Book Description

This new edition of the critically acclaimed Handbook of Laboratory Health and Safety was designed to help safety officers, laboratory managers, principal investigators, and laboratory workers bring lab health and safety into the twenty-first century. It does this by presenting a timely, complete, and easy-to-implement approach to ensuring a workplace that is safe for its workers as well as the surrounding community. Further, the handbook lays out guidelines to help laboratories comply with the requirements set by OSHA, the EPA, FDA, DOT, DEA, and other relevant regulatory agencies.

While the overall philosophy that made the first edition so successful has remained the same, the book has been extensively revised and updated to reflect all new regulations and technical advances that have occurred in the field over the past five years. In addition, this Second Edition now features a multitude of sample forms, checklists, protocols, and other valuable documents that will become an indispensable part of any laboratory health and safety management program.

A valuable reference tool for those seeking detailed information and guidance on specific safety and health issues, Handbook of Laboratory Health and Safety, Second Edition is also much more. By providing a set of clear, easy-to-follow guidelines that serve as a rational framework for creating site-specific health and safety requirements, it, in effect, arms laboratory managers with a solid foundation upon which to build—or reengineer—a comprehensive program for identifying, managing, and controlling health and safety hazards in the laboratory. All of the authors' recommended guidelines are clearly presented in the section entitled "Suggested Laboratory Health and Safety Guidelines." Each chapter of the handbook refers to the relevant sections of the Suggested Guidelines, explains the basis for the recommendations, and provides guidance on how to comply. Offering a feasible, easily implemented approach to designing and maintaining a safe workplace, Handbook of Laboratory Health and Safety is an indispensable tool for all those responsible for safeguarding the health and safety of lab workers and the residents of the ambient community.

"R. Scott Stricoff...and Douglas B. Walters...have assembled information from a variety of sources that is not easily available elsewhere....This is a useful book." — Chemical & Engineering News

"...provides a useful contribution and will be a welcome addition to the laboratory safety adviser's library....the authors' breadth of knowledge and expertise gives a genuine sense of authority to the information given." — Chemistry and Industry

"...useful for laboratory managers and safety officers who are in charge of the safety of workplaces, but it is also useful for laboratory architects and designers, supervisors, and others in charge of planning safe laboratories. Employees will also find information on the handling of toxic samples and chemicals....Although the book follows American standards and regulations, its interest may be considered worldwide. The book is especially useful in practical safety work because it explains thoroughly how to build a safe and pleasant laboratory and how to maintain its safety." — Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment and Health ... Read more

Book Description

A spirited look at the relationship between physics and religion--and the implications for both sexes. Here is a fresh, astute social and cultural history of physics, from ancient Greece to our own time. From its inception, Margaret Wertheim shows, physics has been an overwhelmingly male-dominated activity; she argues that gender inequity in physics is a result of the religious origins of the enterprise. Pythagoras' Trousers is a highly original history of one of science's most powerful disciplines. It is also a passionate argument for the need to involve both women and men in the process of shaping the technologies from the next generation of physicists. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Valuable book; less than scholarly but more than truthful!
A number of (male) chemistry and physics colleagues recommended this book to me before I read it. After I read it (one of my first books about gender and science) I had to agree with them that it was outstanding - a delightful and eye-opening book for scientists and science students who, like me, had never been exposed to more rigorous writings in gender studies. Wertheim's message is not one that the die-hard, non-feminist, scientist wants to hear. The looseness of the historical and philosophical writing gives feminism's detractors ample grounds, therefore, on which to denigrate it. But truth is truth - and this book rings true on all levels that I (a Full Professor of Physics) can probe. Now that I have read other books in the field of gender studies, I know that there are plenty of extremely tightly reasoned and readable books by e.g. Shapin, Noble and Sheibinger that one can follow up with. (These would convince the skeptical reader - if he will allow himself to be convinced - that Wertheim's conclusions are extremely well-founded!)

An interesting argument, but an inadequate conclusion
In the book Pythagoras' Trousers - God, Physics, and the Gender Wars, Margaret Wertheim makes the case that, in its origins, physics was intimately connected with religion. As such, physicists accrued the aura of a priestly caste. In addition, she claims that this religious culture within physics has prevented women from entering the field.
Though Wertheim attempts to show that women belong in the arena of physics, she actually concludes that the only way women will be comfortable in physics will be to change the assumptions upon which it is based. In addition, her lack of adequate documentation and reliable sources (at one point she cites a survey from Glamour magazine) damages her argument so fully that I believe that this work proves that Wertheim is a poor writer, and tends to support the antithesis of her argument. By providing a poor work to show the need for women in the realm of physics, Wertheim has show that she does not belong in that arena. Therefore, by extension, no women belong in that arena. Hence, Wertheim serves only to damage her claim through the poor quality and weak argumentation of the work.
As a student of mathematics and philosophy, I find Wertheim to be ultimately an insipid writer.

Pythagoras' Trousers
Pythagoras' Trousers Margaret Wertheim

Wertheim attempts to show how Science, Religion, and Women have all been related over the course of humankind. Specifically she focuses on how the connection between mathematics, and later physics, and religion have combined ideals over the course of the last two and a half millennia which led to the downfall or lack of participation for women in the field of mathematics. She begins her book in about 500 BC with Pythagoras. Pythagoras studied mathematics with the Babylonians and began the theory that numbers were divine. Pythagoras then started a cult in the south of Italy that focused on the study of numbers. This was a male dominated cult that attempted to show that numbers stood for certain things. The number three represented men and the number two represented women. This led to or was caused by (I'm not sure) the idea that odd numbers were better than even numbers. The theory that men were better suited for scientific investigation was passed down to each following generation. Throughout her book Wertheim attempted to give the reader a history of mathematical science. She told about the work of many famous mathematicians including Newton, Copernicus, Galileo, and Einstein. In the case of most history books they only tell about what famous men did but she integrated information about what women scientists were doing during the same time periods. Some names mentioned included Bassi, Hypatia, Hildegard, and Noether. Over the course of the book she told of the relationship between religion (Christianity) and science. Mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics became the religion of many scientists. Just as in religion men held all positions of power and were very reluctant to give them up. Even women who made incredible new findings in the sciences were never allowed into the upper societies of this scientific priesthood. To this day the number of women working in the sciences is much less than that of men. In her final chapter Werthheim attempts to incorporate this idea that mathematics followed the ideals of religion by not allowing women to participate. She also says that women would bring a much different and possibly better approach present day physics. This I disagree with. I think that women's involvement would be just the same as men's involvement. Some changes might occur if the number of women working in the field of physics were equal to that of men but I believe that would just be due to the larger number of people working in the field. The same changes would occur if the same number of people who entered the physics workforce were men. The number of areas being studied in any field is in direct relation to the total number of people working in the field.

Wertheim's assesements were groundless and unsupported.
As a student of an Ivy League Institution, I thought that Wertheim's "man-bashing" was inappropriate and unfounded. Her interpretation of historical facts were deceptive and misleading. She twisted these facts in conniving ways to support her feminist thesis.

Should be a compulsory read for all first-year uni students!
As a female engineer -- somewhat cynical about organised religion and having experienced the maleness of scientific academia and profession -- I found this to be one of the most interesting, entertaining, and intelligent books I have read in a long time. Firstly, it presents a concise and very readable account of the illuminating history and sociology of science, mathematics and engineering (to which their students sadly gain far too little exposure). Secondly, the argument adds a new dimension and depth (for some reason hidden until now!) to our understanding of the perceived barriers facing women to the study and practice of science, mathematics, and engineering. This issue has gained increasing attention from universities and professional institutions, who at least claim to be attempting to remedy the situation. All our attempts would be wiser for a better understanding of the deep-seated cultural and institutional bases of this bias, and for a better appreciation of the significant but largely unsung contributions of women to our scientific progress. Concerning the debate about the "feminisation" of science: the author's point-of-view is not a new one, but she certainly argues the case with more vigour and valid evidence than previous accounts I have read. As a fresh and enlightened contribution to an ongoing debate, I think this book deserves a place in the literature. Credit where credit's due to the author for her hard work and boldness! ... Read more

Book Description

With the discovery in 1995 of the first planet orbiting another star, we now realize that planets are not unique to our own Solar System. For centuries, humanity has wondered whether we are alone in the Universe. We are now finally one step closer to knowing the answer. The quest for exoplanets is an exciting one because it holds the possibility that one day we might find life elsewhere in the Universe, born in the light of another sun. Written from the perspective of one of the pioneers of this scientific adventure, this exciting account describes the development of the modern observing technique that has enabled astronomers to find so many planets orbiting around other stars. It reveals the wealth of new planets that have now been discovered outside our Solar System, and the meaning of this finding as it concerns other life in the Universe.Michel Mayor is Director of the Observatory of Geneva, Switzerland. In 1995, together with Didier Queloz, he discovered the first extrasolar planet (51 Peg b) around a main sequence star, and has discovered many more since. His work earned him the prestigious Balzan Prize in 2000, for Instrumentation and Techniques in Astronomy and Astrophysics. Pierre-Yves Frei is a science journalist with the Swiss newspaper, Lausanne Hebdo. In 1998 he was awarded the Media Prize of the Swiss Natural Sciences Academy for science popularization. Boud Roukema is the translator. ... Read more

Book Description

Joseph Chilton Pearce examines the current biological understanding of our neural organization to address how we can transcend our current evolutionary capacities and limitations. It is the dynamic interaction of the head brain (intellect) and heart brain (intelligence), of biology and spirit, that allows transcendence from one evolutionary place to the next. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

He's Blown a Fuse!
Here is a book of, by, and for abstract idealists and empaths like me; I have no problem following Pearce's "muscular" or "flexible" logic, moving from ancient Egypt to heart scans to a critique of Pauline theology.He writes the way I used to write college papers, that is, jumping from one interesting idea to another without quite bothering to make sure the structure coheres.I'm all for anything that liberally quotes from Blake, adds a bit of Northrop Frye and that Dylan Thomas bit about the green fuse.My cup of tea.

But here's the thing:this book manages to exquisitely patronize Jesus.It patronizes Blake and Steiner, and that's OK with me.But the author is clearly obsessed with Jesus and thus the patronizing voice that almost can't speak of the crucifixion without making light of it, as so much "stringing up" or "bashing in."I'm utterly fascinated by Pearce's theory of biological transcendence; he got me from the title.But to culminate in something called HeartMath?(Is that trademarked?A franchise?)It's not so much that Christ died in vain--perhaps if HeartMath had existed a couple millenia ago, his death would have been unnecessary.

And what is this HeartMath with its FreezeFrame?The way it's described, it sounds about as complex as, well...did you ever see that "Seinfeld" episode in which George's father chants, "Serenity Now!" anytime he's about to implode?No, of course not, silly me, I'm sure Pearce's other readers, unlike me, had already killed their TVs back in the 90's.

And when I came to the photos of Pearce's phrenological wonders (his grandchildren? one can't help wondering), I really found him wrong-headed.Hello:all babies have pronounced foreheads.They also have protuberant bellies.Maybe Pearce was a skinny little kid with a big head growing up and now he's just got to score one for the team.Maybe I'm just sore because I've got a tiny little forehead, despite the fact that I'm an empathic person, while my husband's Nordic family with their impressive foreheads also manage to be incredibly pragmatic, negative, earthbound types.

Still, I love Pearce!He explains things to me, about me, for which I always lacked a vocabulary.I know I gave birth to my daughter and that she also gave birth to me.He's right.And I had a mystical birth experience at that moment of pushing, when I said to myself, I don't care if I burst into a million pieces and cease to exist, and it was like I beheld the universe and was at the quiet center of it.Giving birth makes very real to a person how one transcends--not the body itself in a gnostic manner--but through means of the body.I count myself lucky to be a woman, and I'm always bewildered by childless couples I meet who say, "Why bring another life into the world?Aren't there enough already?And what a world it is!"

I don't know half what to make of Pearce.Is he a nut?A con?I don't know what to make of his life stories.I'm impatient with what I observe of Waldorf education, which lends itself to a cult of personaltiy.I wish he wasn't so anti-art in his transcendent philosophy.Almost makes me see him as a failed poet.But here is a feast for the imagination, and I prize that, as I prize his embrace of the life force and his optimism in a twilight time.

Addendum:
This is one of those darn books I can't shake.For the parent of the high-need, challenging child, the child who demands everything you are and still is not satisfied, Pearce is especially illuminating.I've come to believe that Nature sends out these occasional test cases, in the form of intense & hungry kids, and if their energy is met with a Yes, with tenderness and empathy, then perhaps their brains (and implicitly human kind) will develop in new directions.If, as is likely, such children meet with a No, the energy they possess may remain dormant or go dark.I want to test this hypothesis more and am looking forward to reading as soon as I can the autobiography by Edward Teller.If I pick up an anti-art sentiment in Pearce, which conflicts me, I'm also sympathetic; easier to be Wordsworth than Mother.

Prepare to blow your mind! Very insightful book!
This is a very good book for anyone who believes in Jesus and admires his example, but questions our cultures interpretation of him. A fresh point of view for the higher thinking person.

A "Road Map" and Biological "Proof" of Spiritual "Truth"
If you are serious about being enlightened . . . And More - This is a must read book. Many people talk about enlightenment, and the author of this book steps up the game by making the distinction of Transcendence being different than enlightenment. Enlightenment is transcendence of the mind and you can transcendence not only the mind, but the body and spirit as well.

To save you some time in reading the book. - Skip section 1.
Section 1 is very technical and anatomy oriented and in my opinion, not necessary to understand the rest of the book. At the same time is great information. I recommend people to read Section 2 and 3 first. Then if you want, go back and read section 1. If you even just want to skim section 1 you will probably get everything you need.

One of the things he doesn't talk about which is highly important to me is the physical body. To me the physical body is a "Temple of Your Spiritual Self" and most people treat it like a barn hoping it will do what they need to be enlightened. A really great book I found to learn how to easily treat your body as a Temple is The Creator's Manual for Your Body.

If you are serious about freedom beyond what you thought was possible, read both of these books.

An intriguing survey of intellect and biology
It's unusual to see a survey of spiritual transcendence so linked to science that it earns a place of respect in the spheres of science, health, and metaphysics. Joseph Chilton Pearce's The Biology Of Transcendence: A Blueprint Of The Human Spirit is just such a title, deftly examining the current biological roots of neural facilities to consider how humans can transcend current evolutionary capacities and limitations. Studies profile the four neural centers of the brain and explore the science of neurocardiology to explore a newly discovered fifth center located in the heart. The Biology Of Transcendence is an intriguing survey of intellect and biology emerges.

Compelling discussions on spirituality
Pearce has a true gift of engaging discussion that crosses the boundaries of science and spirit. This book is full of gems that bring together brain physiology, psychology, Christianity and personal spirituality.

Pearce is well known from his earlier books about the magical child. Here, he writes of his personal spiritual development and of his views on the difference between transcendence and religion.

His personal experiences include periods during his life when he was able to activate intuitive/psychic abilities to scan masses of data accurately; to sell sterling silver to everyone (including an unscheduled, in-home sale at midnight); and impossible physical feats (e.g. climbing a high, crumbly cliff with an overhang).

He points out that the need to honor, nurture and develop our transcendent awarenessis not a trivial or unimportant difference.

Pearce presents a strong case for interpreting the teachings of Christ in the light of personal spiritual development, rather than adherence to a ritualized liturgy. Pearce suggests that Christ's teachings were not intended to enthrone Jesus and the apostles, and certainly not the later established church, as the primary purveyors of spiritual wisdom, nor as the primary focus for spiritual observance. Christ taught that each of us has a direct connection to God.

Pearce has a gift for reviewing diverse materials in an engaging manner. He includes a helpful discussion on the brain and transcendent awareness, but this is nowhere near as compelling as his discussions on spirituality.This book is worth a good chew.
... Read more

Book Description

The Science Studies Reader is a landmark anthology of writing in the burgeoning new field of science studies. Society and the scientific community are today engaging more thoughtfully than ever before the question of what "scientific knowledge" might be. This collection of writings by some of the most prominent thinkers in the field speaks to the nature of science and knowledge across time, cultures, and genders.

The Reader focuses on the practices of modern and contemporary science and technology located in different national and institutional settings, with some attention to non- Western contexts. Here are essays on the gender dimensions of science, the moral economies of scientific communities, imaging techniques, intellectual property, authorship, and many other current subjects. The collection presents science as crucially connected to issues within contemporary history, sociology, gender studies, anthropology, and cultural studies of science.

By mapping some of the open questions and points of tension likely to occupy the field for years to come, the essays in the Readercast fresh light on what "science" means at the end of the twentieth century. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

White Elephant or Sacred Cow?: Take Your Pick
This is the book that has gathered together all the most annoying people in science studies -- especially the ones who flog the dead horse of 'practise'without considering the larger social and political contexts that have made the Science Wars such a hot issue. I would advise so-called Science Warriors looking for an easy target to look no further than this arboreal sacrifice. Everyone else: check out David Hess's introduction to science studies for something more reasonable and Steve Fuller's book on Kuhn for something really challenging.

It's Not Football!
The green and Yellow Cover suggests it's about a not very good football club from England. Chirp Chirp. I couldn't find any football in it at all - this was dosappointing!

Hoax? Hardly!
Actually, I just read Biagioli's collection, and the review below does seem most accurate. Some of the puzzles were quite complex; and the texture of the paper was outstanding. Bravo Lady Bracknell. A review worth reading! And bravo Mario. Your children should be proud.

The other review is a hoax
The other review is a hoax! Lady Bracknell is a character in a play by Oscar Wilde. You dummies!

A Stunning Montage of Color and Verve!
Biagioli has done it again! First, the colorfully covered "Galileo, Courtier" taught us all what it means to be alone. And now, with a green and yellow combination, Biagioli teaches us that important lesson we've probably all forgotten by the time we're on our third divorce - of course I mean, it's alright to cry, crying is what makes us people. Laymen and scholar alike will find hours of entertainment in this witty collection of aphorisms and uncut jigsaw puzzles. I know my toddler and I did. Ciao, Winthrop ... Read more

Book Description

Describes the physical and organic chemistry of the reactions by which polymer molecules are synthesized. Begins by introducing the characteristics which distinguish polymers from their much smaller sized homologs. Proceeds to a detailed study of three types of polymerization reactions: step, chain and ring-opening. Reactions are characterized as to their kinetic and thermodynamic features, their scope and utility for synthesis of different types of polymer structures, and the process conditions which are used to carry them out. Assumes a background in organic and physical chemistry and can serve as either a self-teaching guide to polymers for the beginner or as a handy reference for the experienced polymer chemist. Each chapter includes a selection of problems to aid learning and a solutions manual is available on request. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Must read for polymer chemistry!
Odian offers a comprehensive guide to polymer chemistry, covering nearly all the types of polymerization, exploring radical, ionic, step, and copolymerization mechanisms and kinetics in sufficient detail. Some recent advances in polymer synthesis are not covered, but book offers enough knowledge to have a good grasp of all aspects of polymerizations. A must read for anyone considering a career or education in polymer synthesis!

Great text book!
I took a course last year in Polymer Chemistry and this text was the standard text book. It was an amazingly great reference book. This book mainly target on Polymerization synthesis and characterization. If you are interested in the mechanical properties of polymer, you should look for other one. But this is a must for all polymer chemists and material scientists who are interested in polymer processing.

A handy reference
I have been using this book for several years, including a term where it was the primary text for a graduate-level Introduction to Polymers course.As textbooks go, I have found this one relatively easy to read, and the concepts easy to follow.It it quite comprehensive, but assumes an undergraduate background in organic and physical chemistry.Since the course, it has been a handy reference in my research, though, as someone else noted, it is lacking in respect to living polymerizations, particularly Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization.However, Odian's work remains one of the most useful textbooks from my graduate classes.

The standard text for teaching polymer chemistry.
The number of concepts covered in this book is amazing -- I learn something new with each reading.The book is also great for pointing you to the leading references in the field; although it is lacking decentcoverage of living polymerization.Odian's book is not easy to read.Fora chemistry book it includes relatively few chemical structures ormechanisms, so for students who don't already know chemistry it is a ratheruseless introductionA better introductory polymer chemistry book is by M.Stevens.

Impressive, despite recent reviews to the contrary.
Encyclopedic and comprehensive, this text ought to be the sole reference work for undergrads and graduates in the field of polymer science. ... Read more

Book Description

The English/Spanish & Spanish/English Dictionary of Environmental Science and Engineering is aimed at the professional practitioner in the areas of business, consultancy, government, regulation or academia. It is particularly useful for environmental scientists, ecologists, geologists, hydrologists, water and wastewater engineers, landfill and contaminated land specialists and administrators. The diverse specialisms of the two authors and their knowledge of environmental assessment, hydrogeology and environmental engineering ensures that the book has thorough coverage. With nearly 30,000 entries, the book combines a traditional dictionary approach with a modern and up-to-date style of presentation. The authors have used their wealth of technical knowledge and their understanding of Spanish to produce a book of true value and timeliness. In addition, the external advisors, Manuel Regueiro y González-Barros from Spain and Alberto Bustani Adem from Mexico bring their distinct cultural backgrounds to bear to ensure that the dictionary reflects modern usage and terminology in both Spain and Latin America. ... Read more

Book Description

Harvard Professor and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Edward Wilson takes readers through time--tracing the processes that create new species, the five cataclysmic events that have disrupted evolution over the past 600 million years, and how humans are destroying diversity at a projected rate of 20 percent over the next 30 years."In the Amazon Basin the greatest violence sometimes begins as a flicker of light beyond the horizon. There in the perfect bowl of the night sky, untouched by light from any human source, a thunderstorm sends its premonitory signal and begins a slow journey to the observer, who thinks: the world is about to change." Watching from the edge of theBrazilian rain forest, witness to the sort of violence nature visits upon its creatures, Edward O. Wilson reflects on the crucible of evolution, and so begins his remarkable account of how the living world became diverse and how humans are destroying that diversity. Wilson, internationally regarded as the dean of biodiversity studies, conducts us on a tour through time, traces the processes that create new species in bursts of adaptive radiation, and points out the cataclysmic events that have disrupted evolution and diminished global diversity over the past 600 million years. The five enormous natural blows to the planet (such as meteorite strikes and climatic changes) required 10 to 100 million years of evolutionary repair. The sixth great spasm of extinction on earth--caused this time entirely by humans--may be the one that breaks the crucible of life. Wilson identifies this crisis incountless ecosystems around the globe: coral reefs, grasslands, rain forests, and other natural habitats. Drawing on a variety of examples such as the decline of bird populations in the United States, the extinction of many species of freshwater fish in Africa and Asia, and the rapid disappearance of flora and fauna as the rain forests are cut down, he poignantly describes the death throes of the living worlds diversity--projected to decline as much as 20 percent by the year 2020. All evidence marshaled here resonates through Wilson's tightly reasoned call for a spirit of stewardship over the worlds biological wealth. He makes a plea for specific actions that will enhance rather than diminish not just diversity but the quality of life on earth. Cutting through the tangle of environmental issues that often obscure the real concern, Wilson maintains that the era of confrontation between forces for the preservation of nature and those for economic development is over; he convincingly drives home the point that both aims can, and must, be integrated. Unparalleled in its range and depth, Wilson's masterwork is essential reading for those who care about preserving the worlds biological variety and ensuring our planets health. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Students Review
We were required to read this book by our Environmental Science teacher. After reading the first chapter, we were entranced by this stunning literary masterpiece. Throughout the book, Wilson discusses major topics such as evolution, biodynamics, and human impact on the environment. This is a must have in any scientific reader's library. We enjoyed the pretty photographs also.

You'll want to be a biologist!

Wilson writes a great overview of biodiversity--how it is created, why it is crucial to human survival, and what we must do to preserve it. Enjoy accessible and well-documented writing that takes you from California to Madagascar, from the present to the beginnings of life as known from the fossil record. Along the way you'll learn many of the crucial ecological and evolutionary concepts (such as natural selection, community ecology, biogeography, and more) necessary for understanding what biodiversity is and how it is maintained. And finally, in the last part of the book, learn about philosophies and practices that will enable each of us to preserve the amazing diversity of life that surrounds us. You'll want to be a biologist by the time you finish the book!

A Review of The Diversity of Life
In the Diversity of Life the world-famous biodiversity expert Edward O. Wilson outlines his many studies and theories on the current biological diversity of the world. Wilson identifies the crisis of the decling biodiversity and sites many reasons for it. Much of the book explores the differing patterns of evolution. From the fundamental unit that defines each species to an indepth analysis of adaptive radiation, Wilson discusses why life is the way that it is now. In the conclusion of the book Wilson explains the human impact on the environment. Outlining what should be done to perserve the world for future generations.
Overall The Diversity of Life is a well thought-out and throughly explained book. Even for those of us who are not ecological experts the book is easy to read and understand. The diagrams and specific examples throughout the book help explain each indiviidual topic. The reader is engaged into the world of ecology through Wilson's expainations of the world around us. The only slight problem with the book is the fact that Wilson overkills certain points with excessive examples that make the chapter redundant. Nevertheless, The Diversity of Life is a great book for anyone with any biological background or interest in the environment around them.

Diversity of Life
This book was good because it introduced new atmostpheres of the world and how different environments are structured. It analyzed the affects that an environment has on species. It also sets up hypothetical siuations that allow the read to think of "what ifs." Wilson gives examples that show thing from different perspectives, which is a positive aspect of the book. The only bad thing was that some of the book was ranting on. I felt that some things could have been said in a more consice way.

Very rich book!
An incredibly full and rich book that seems to cover every aspect of nature - it poses great questions about diversity and human impact and uses countless examples and sound research. Really great - better if you have a science background as I (without such a background) was a little lost in some of the examples/descriptions. I ceratinly feel better for having read this book. Its a very important work. ... Read more

Book Description

As a prolific author, BBC commentator, and magazine editor, Nigel Calder has spent a lifetime spotting and explaining the big discoveries in all branches of science. In Magic Universe, he draws on his vast experience to offer readers a lively, far-reaching look at modern science in all its glory, shedding light on the latest ideas in physics, biology, chemistry, medicine, astronomy, and many other fields. What is truly magical about Magic Universe is Calder's incredible breadth. Migrating birds, light sensors in the human eye, black holes, antimatter, buckyballs and nanotubes--with exhilarating sweep, Calder can range from the strings of a piano to the superstrings of modern physics, from Pythagoras's theory of musical pitch to the most recent ideas about atoms and gravity and a ten-dimensional universe--all in one essay.The great virtue of this wide-ranging style--besides its liveliness and versatility--is that it allows Calder to illuminate how the modern sciences intermingle and cross-fertilize one another. Indeed, whether discussing astronauts or handedness or dinosaurs, Calder manages to tease out hidden connections between disparate fields of study. What is most wondrous about the "magic universe" is that one can begin with stellar dust and finish with life itself. Drawing on interviews with more than 200 researchers, from graduate students to Nobel prize-winners, Magic Universe takes us on a high-spirited tour through the halls of science, one that will enthrall everyone interested in science, whether a young researcher in a high-tech lab or an amateur buff sitting in the comfort of an armchair. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Spanning all of science
Nigel Calder is a distinguished polymath and author, whose interests for years have spanned all of modern science. Here, he demonstrates his intellect and eloquence in 756 pages of compelling prose.

You can't fail to be impressed by how well he covers both the biological and the physical sciences. It is really tough to do both well. Perhaps Calder is a good successor to the late Isaac Asimov.

Very suitable (and recommended) for a high school or undergraduate reading. I would claim that this book is best directed at the high school level. For it is there that students may decide to pursue further studies in science, or not. And even for those who do not, the book gives an excellent and authoritative broad spectrum education in science, that they can carry with them in good stead. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

3rd Edition improves set -- in wide use by students/teachers
We have other Gale books in our Library but the Encyclopedia of Science is the most used.As other reviews point out, the cross reference system is not very helpful and words set in bold seem to be used as suggestions for further reading whether or not the further reading really relates to the topic. All in all, the third edition is still a strong addition to our library. The new editors for the third edition have corrected MANY errors found in prior editions and they have added a good deal more content of interest to our students. Despite some format flaws the set is very useful to a wide range of students and teachers.

Not worth $450
Fortunately, I got it at a library sale for a fraction of that price.

The major pro: it's a good series of books for basic reference.

Major con #1: it's badly edited; there are many pages where there are chemical formulas that are misprinted, typos in headers, etc. I can only imagine if, say, Encyclopedia Britannica had this many errors.... [On the other hand, this seems to have been corrected for the third edition.]

Major con #2: the cross-reference system borders on the idiotic. The first time the title of *any* article appears, it is boldfaced, even if the context is essentially irrelevant.

Major con #3: it has a lot of depth in what it covers, but it isn't useful for reference on "deep" topics (e.g., if you want to know about optics, this book is good; if you want to learn about Fermi-Dirac statistics, go elsewhere).

All in all, if you can get this really cheap, try it. If not, though, you might be better off buying, say, several volumes of the Cambridge Encyclopedia series: you'd get more depth for the same amount of money. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

excellent collection of tables
If you have Sokal and Rohlf's Biometry book it pays to get these tables. They are referenced throughout the book and it is convenient to have them to do most of the problems.

One thing to watch out for is to make sure that the edition of the tables matches the edition of the text. I have the second edition of the book and the third edition of the tables. The authors removed eight tables in the third edition and instead of using the numbering system of the second edition, they switched to letters floowed by double letters after they ran through the alphabet.

There are many useful tables and explanations are given, so they can be used independently of the text. However, if you get the text you will want the tables. The tables are referenced in numerous interesting and instructive examples in the text.

In the Preface to the Second Edition the authors say that the tables are there for pedigogical reasons only and they chose not to include them in the text because in these days pocket calculators can often be used as replacements for tables. Nevertheless without realizing it the reader does become dependent on these tables to get a full understanding of the examples.

If you get the book get the tables also. If you just want to have a reference set of statistical tables they are useful but I much prefer the "Pocket Book of Statistical Tables" by Odeh and Owens. ... Read more

Book Description

Demystifying physics-and the man who personified it.

Einstein's face is on T-shirts and posters and his name is synonymous with atomic energy and scientific genius. But to understand this individual who not only had great knowledge but great wisdom, we must examine his philosophy of life-and physics.

€ New and updated information about Einstein's life
€ Analysis of recent, ongoing challenges to Einstein's theories
€ Streamlined information on the underpinnings of physics, electricity, magnetism, and other forms of energy
€ High-profile museum exhibitions about Einstein are taking place across the U.S. in 2003, 2004, and 2005
€ First edition has gained a solid reputation for helping students understand physics
€ Einstein was named Time's "Man of the Century" ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Very good read.
If you're looking for an introductory level overview of physics, from the earliest thinkers to modern theories that seem stranger than fiction, look no further.Although I read it cover to cover, I still read chapters and segments from time to time.The author writes in a manner that is easy to follow and very interesting.Highly recommended.

Relativity explained and so much more!
I wish I had read this book earlier. Although I did relatively well in math and science in college, they don't come naturally to me. Mostly because I did not find them relevant to me. This book makes it relevant to me. Starting with the origin of physics, the author spends many chapters to explain how ideas and theories have been developed and evolved to pave the road for quantum mechanics. This book is about understanding Einstein and more, it's about understanding the world we live in. Throughout the book there is a sense of wonder expressed toward our universe that is both mysterious and orderly. It's an inspiring and informative book to anyone who has just started his/her scientific and spiritual pursuit.

Be Careful-- Know What You're Getting!
For years I've struggled with understanding relativity theory, and thought what I needed was something that would explain it to me in the simplest possible terms.What better than this book, I thought.This book does a lot more than explain Einstein's theories, which is a flaw, not a strength.It is about 10% explaining the theories, 50% history of the study of Physics and 40% non-scientific biography of Einstien.And yes, there is a liberal amount of the author's own politically correct editorializing, such as (pg 245) "many of the worst crimes are motivated by repressed sexual tendencies. Society needs to apply a bigger picture here, don't you think?" and (pg 270) "In the free market system, profitability often outweighs damage to human life". Einstien dies on Pg 291, but the book limps on for another 50 pages.If you want a history of physics IN GENERAL, you'll be more satisfied than if you're (like me) just trying to get your arms around Einstein's theories.

"Physics for Poets"
Overall a good read.This book is about so much more than just Einstein and his theories.About the first 100 pages or so is an introduction to physics--everything from the mechanics of light to gravity and uniform acceleration.It's presented an a relatively (no pun intended) easy-to-understand fashion.

A small portion of the book is biographical in nature, dealing with Einstein's personal and professional life.Even more, of course, is devoted to the development of his brilliant theories, especially the Special and General Theories of Relativity.

Beyond that, there's a lot of information on quantum physics.In my opinion, up to that point, most of the book is written such that the average reader could understand most of it.Of course, once you get to quantum physics, one might question whether ANYONE could really understand that topic!

I would have given this book 4 or maybe even 5 stars, if the author hadn't wasted his (and my!) time with overly-lengthy discussions into "modern psychology" (e.g., Freud, Kant, etc.) and "Eastern mysticism " (e.g., Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, etc.).While he tries to make a connection between these topics and his discussion of quantum physics, I didn't think it was useful.

Absolutely Satisfying
This has been the first time in ages that I've read a book for hours on end.The first time I opened it,I read for hours,and forgot to do my homework!I was completely absorbed in it.The authors tells you more than just Einstein's theories and ideas.His book spans people's beliefs and theories which sometimes lead to the questioning of already accepted laws in science, through classical physics and modern.He shows you the ups and downs to theories and laws,the brilliant ideas along with a few mistakes ('Hey,even geniuses make mistakes') and explains why some theories make sense while others would not.
I would reccomend this book to anyone,a lover of physics already or not,because reading this book will certainly make you one,or at least open your mind up as to what you're missing.
A wonderful read and superbly entertaining.Thought provoking and satisfying. ... Read more