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Darwin's Dangerous Idea
by Daniel C. DennettIn a book that is both groundbreaking and accessible, Daniel C. Dennett, whom Chet Raymo of The Boston Globe calls "one of the most provocative thinkers on the planet," focuses his unerringly logical mind on the theory of natural selection, showing how Darwin's great idea transforms and illuminates our traditional view of humanity's place in the universe. Dennett vividly describes the theory itself and then extends Darwin's vision with impeccable arguments to their often surprising conclusions, challenging the views of some of the most famous scientists of our day.
Dictionary of Astronomy and Astronautics
by Armand Spitz Frank GaynorThis authoritative reference volume features more than 2,200 terms and concepts covering a wide array of topics in astronomy and astronautics. This in-depth overview of important terms and concepts in the fields of astronomy and astronautics is designed to be an authoritative and easy-to-use reference book. With thousands of entries arranged alphabetically, it provides ready answers for students of space science as well as the curious reader. From &“Aberration of Light&” and &“Abnormal Stars&” to &“Zodiacal Light&” and &“Zone Time&”, this comprehensive volume provides a wealth of fascinating information.
Discoveries and Opinions of Galileo
by Galileo GalileiDirecting his polemics against the pedantry of his time, Galileo, as his own popularizer, addressed his writings to contemporary laymen. His support of Copernican cosmology, against the Church's strong opposition, his development of a telescope, and his unorthodox opinions as a philosopher of science were the central concerns of his career and the subjects of four of his most important writings. Drake's introductory essay place them in their biographical and historical context. Translation and notes by Stillman Drake
The Immense Journey
by Loren C. EiseleyAnthropologist and naturalist Loren Eiseley blends scientific knowledge and imaginative vision in this story of man.
Molecularly Targeted Therapy for Childhood Cancer
by Peter J. Houghton Robert J. ArceciEach chapter will focus on the known molecular characteristics of specific childhood cancers, focusing on how the molecular 'drivers' can be exploited from a therapeutic standpoint with currently available targeted agents. Where applicable, integration of targeted therapies with conventional cytotoxic agents will be considered. This volume will provide a comprehensive summary of molecular characteristics of childhood cancers, and how the changes involved in transformation provide us with opportunities for developing relatively less toxic, but curative, therapies.
The Origins of Modern Science
by Herbert ButterfieldFrom Simon & Schuster, Herbert Butterfield's The Origins of Modern Science chronicles the history of contemporary scientific theory. In The Origins of Modern Science Professor Herbert Butterfield argues that past scientific achievements cannot be viewed through the filter of 20th century eyes, but can be understood only in the historical and political context of an era.
Playing with Infinity: Mathematical Explorations And Excursions (Dover Books on Mathematics)
by Rózsa PéterThis popular account of the many mathematical concepts relating to infinity is one of the best introductions to this subject and to the entire field of mathematics. Dividing her book into three parts -- The Sorcerer's Apprentice, The Creative Role of Form, and The Self-Critique of Pure Reason -- Peter develops her material in twenty-two chapters that sound almost too appealing to be true: playing with fingers, coloring the grey number series, we catch infinity again, the line is filled up, some workshop secrets, the building rocks, and so on.Yet, within this structure, the author discusses many important mathematical concepts with complete accuracy: number systems, arithmetical progression, diagonals of convex polygons, the theory of combinations, the law of prime numbers, equations, negative numbers, vectors, operations with fractions, infinite series, irrational numbers, Pythagoras' Theorem, logarithm tables, analytical geometry, the line at infinity, indefinite and definite integrals, the squaring of the circle, transcendental numbers, the theory of groups, the theory of sets, metamathematics, and much more. Numerous illustrations and examples make all the material readily comprehensible.Without being technical or superficial, the author writes with complete clarity and much originality on the whole range of topics from counting to mathematical logic. Using little algebra and no mathematical formulas, she has written an unusual book that will interest even mathematicians and teachers. Beginning mathematics students and people in the humanities and other fields will find the book particularly outstanding for their purposes.
The Sky at Night
by Patrick MooreThe Sky at Night book series, formerly published by Philips, documents the 40 most recent episodes of Sir Patrick Moore's record-breaking TV program of the same name. This program is the only major long-running TV program featuring astronomy topics in both the U.S. and the U.K. Each episode reviews current events and hot topics in the field of astronomy. As in the twelve earlier volumes, each of the episodes has been re-written into short, punchy essays from the past four years of broadcasting. Each chapter covers the subject of a particular show in The Sky at Night TV series. As such, this book presents a synopsis of the most significant events in astronomy during this 40-episode period. Patrick Moore has fans the world over, for whom these volumes are essential reading. The Sky at Night programs (and, of course, the books) feature many of the greatest living astronomers, astrophysicists, cosmologists, and astronauts - people such as Sir Martin Rees (President of the U.K.'s prestigious Royal Society, and Astronomer Royal), Prof. Gerry Gilmore, astronaut Eugene Cernan, and many more. Chris Lintott, the co-star of the latest episodes of Sky at Night, has a massive fan base that derives equally from The Sky at Night and from his paradigm-shifting astronomy website Galaxy Zoo, which has some 150,000 members.
The Strategy of the Genes (Routledge Library Editions: 20th Century Science)
by C.H. WaddingtonFirst published in 1957, this essential classic work bridged the gap between analytical and theoretical biology, thus setting the insights of the former in a context which more sensitively reflects the ambiguities surrounding many of its core concepts and objectives. Specifically, these five essays are concerned with some of the major problems of classical biology: the precise character of biological organisation, the processes which generate it, and the specifics of evolution. With regard to these issues, some thinkers suggest that biological organisms are not merely distinguishable from inanimate ‘things’ in terms of complexity, but are in fact radically different qualitatively: they exemplify some constitutive principle which is not elsewhere manifested. It is the desire to bring such ideas into conformity with our understanding of analytical biology which unifies these essays. They explore the contours of a conceptual framework sufficiently wide to embrace all aspects of living systems.
Studia Varia: (Royal Society of Canada, Literary and Scientific Papers) (The Royal Society of Canada Special Publications #No. 2)
by E.G.D. MurrayTHIS VOLUME contains a selection of articles by Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada on subjects of general cultural interest. The majority of the papers were presented at the annual meeting of the Society in 1956, but for the first time in the history of the Society, they are being issued in a volume available to the general public, instead of being restricted to the Society's Transactions. It has long been a cause for regret to many who were aware of the stimulating and authoritative nature of many Royal Society papers on generalized topics that they were not readily available to the general reader. This volume is an effort on the part of the Society to broaden its influence, to share with educated readers everywhere the contributions which its Fellows make to literary and scientific thought.Authors and articles are as follows: Pierre Daviault, "Franҫais et anglais du Canada"; Desmond Pacey, "The Canadian writer and his public, 1882-1952"; Northrop Frye, "Preface to an uncollected anthology"; Jacques Rousseau, "L'Indien de la forêt boréale, élément de la formation écologique"; W. H. Watson, "Perspective towards the future in physics"; Vincent Bladen, "Some reflection on the classical literature of political economy"; T. A. Goudge, "Progress and evolution"; J. S. Thomson, "The existential philosophy"; Pierre Dansereau, "Language, communication, and culture"; Henry Alexander, "Breaking the language barrier"; Jean-Charles Falardeau, "L'Importance des langues secondes et les sciences de l'homme."
They Play, You Pay
by James T. BennettThey Play, You Pay is a detailed, sometimes irreverent look at a political conundrum: despite evidence that publicly funded ballparks, stadiums, and arenas do not generate net economic growth, governments keep on taxing sales, restaurant patrons, renters of automobiles, and hotel visitors in order to build ever more elaborate cathedrals of professional sport--often in order to satisfy an owner who has threatened to move his team to greener, more subsidy-happy, pastures. This book is a sweeping survey of the literature in the field, the history of such subsidies, the politics of stadium construction and franchise movement, and the prospects for a re-privatization of ballpark and stadium financing. It ties together disparate strands in a fascinating story, examining the often colorful cases through which governments became involved in sports. These range from the well-known to the obscure--from Yankee Stadium and the Astrodome to the Brooklyn Dodgers' move to Los Angeles (to a privately built ballpark constructed upon land that had been seized via eminent domain from a mostly Mexican-American population) to such arrant giveaways as Cowboys Stadium. It examines alternatives that might lessen the pressure for public subsidies, whether the Green Bay Packers model (in which the team's owners are local stockholders) or via league expansions. It also takes a look at little-known, yet significant, episodes such as President Theodore Roosevelt's intervention in the collegiate football crisis of 1905--a move that indirectly put the federal government on the side of such basic rule changes as the legalization of the forward pass. They Play, You Play is a fresh look at a political and economic puzzle: how it came to be that Joe and Jane Sixpack in the Bronx and Dallas subsidize the Steinbrenners and Jerry Joneses of professional sport.
Attention Seeking
by Adam PhillipsAttention Seeking is a short, fascinating introduction to the concept of attention from Britain’s leading psychoanalyst, author of Missing Out and On Kindness.Everything depends on what, if anything, we find interesting: on what we are encouraged and educated to find interesting, and what we find ourselves being interested in despite ourselves. There is our official curiosity and our unofficial curiosity (and psychoanalysis is a story about the relationship between the two).Based on three connected lectures by Adam Phillips, this compact book is a lucid and memorable introduction to the concept of our attention, spanning from interest to obsession, private desire to corporate commodity. What is attention, and why do we seek it? How does our culture moralize attention as a force in need of control? Phillips is one of our brightest and most unusual thinkers, uniquely capable of bringing our deepest impulses and instincts to light.
Food for Thought: Changing the world one bite at a time
by Vanessa KimbellInspired by ethically sourced, sustainable ingredients available from your local suppliers, Vanessa shows how what you cook can make a real difference to those who produce it and to the environment. Recipes are simple, unfussy and easy to cook at home - making everyday classics ethical and sustainable - with chapters focusing on Basics, Getting Ahead in the Kitchen, Simple Suppers, Feeding Children, Leisurely Weekend Food and Special Occasions. Let Vanessa inspire you to adapt the way you cook and change the world one delicious bite at a time.
Gas Turbine Propulsion Systems
by Bernie Macisaac Roy LangtonMajor changes in gas turbine design, especially in the design and complexity of engine control systems, have led to the need for an up to date, systems-oriented treatment of gas turbine propulsion. Pulling together all of the systems and subsystems associated with gas turbine engines in aircraft and marine applications, Gas Turbine Propulsion Systems discusses the latest developments in the field.Chapters include aircraft engine systems functional overview, marine propulsion systems, fuel control and power management systems, engine lubrication and scavenging systems, nacelle and ancillary systems, engine certification, unique engine systems and future developments in gas turbine propulsion systems. The authors also present examples of specific engines and applications.Written from a wholly practical perspective by two authors with long careers in the gas turbine & fuel systems industries, Gas Turbine Propulsion Systems provides an excellent resource for project and program managers in the gas turbine engine community, the aircraft OEM community, and tier 1 equipment suppliers in Europe and the United States. It also offers a useful reference for students and researchers in aerospace engineering.
Illustrated Guide to Trees and Shrubs: A Handbook of the Woody Plants of the Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada/Revised Edition
by Arthur Harmount GravesAuthoritative, easily accessible guide omits lengthy technical descriptions in favor of easy-to-use keys covering such characteristics as leaves, twigs, bark, buds, seeds, stems, fruit or fruit stalks, and other identifying traits. Over 300 pen-and-ink drawings by Maud H. Purdy, noted botanical illustrator. "I recommend this book most highly." -- Farida A. Wiley, American Museum of Natural History.
The Nature of Mathematics
by Philip E. JourdainAnyone with an interest in mathematics will welcome the republication of this little volume by a remarkable mathematician who was also a logician, a philosopher, and an occasional writer of fiction and poetry. Originally published in 1913, and later included in the acclaimed anthology The World of Mathematics, Jourdain's survey shows how and why the methods of mathematics were developed, traces the development of mathematical science from the earliest to modern times, and chronicles the application of mathematics to natural science.Starting with the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, the author profiles mathematics' rise and progress with the development of analytical methods by Descartes, Galileo, Newton, Leibnitz, and others. The text focuses on principles rather than techniques, exploring the foundations of algebra, analytical geometry, and the method of indivisibles. It discusses the beginnings of the correlation of mathematics and natural science in the study of dynamics as well as the emergence of modern mathematics with the infinitesimal calculus. Additional topics include contemporary views of limits and numbers and a brief summation of the nature of mathematics.
Out of My Later Years: The Scientist, Philosopher, and Man Portrayed Through His Own Words
by Albert EinsteinAn inspiring collection of essays, in which Albert Einstein addresses the topics that fascinated him as a scientist, philosopher, and humanitarian Divided by subject matter—&“Science,&” &“Convictions and Beliefs,&” &“Public Affairs,&” etc.—these essays consider everything from the need for a &“supranational&” governing body to control war in the atomic age to freedom in research and education to Jewish history and Zionism to explanations of the physics and scientific thought that brought Albert Einstein world recognition. Throughout, Einstein&’s clear, eloquent voice presents an idealist&’s vision and relays complex theories to the layperson. Einstein&’s essays share his philosophical beliefs, scientific reasoning, and hopes for a brighter future, and show how one of the greatest minds of all time fully engaged with the changing world around him. This authorized ebook features rare photos and never-before-seen documents from the Albert Einstein Archives at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Science and Human Values
by Jacob BronowskiThought-provoking essays on science as an integral part of the culture of our age from a leader in the scientific humanism movement. "A profoundly moving, brilliantly perceptive essay by a truly civilized man."--Scientific American.
Seeing in the Dark: How Amateur Astronomers Are Discovering the Wonder
by Timothy FerrisIn Seeing in the Dark, a poetic love letter to science and to the skies, Timothy Ferris invites us all to become stargazers. He recounts his own experiences as an enthralled lifelong amateur astronomer and reports from around the globe -- from England and Italy to the Florida Keys and the Chilean Andes -- on the revolution that's putting millions in touch with the night sky. In addition, Ferris offers an authoritative and engaging report on what's out there to be seen -- what Saturn, the Ring nebula, the Silver Coin galaxy, and the Virgo supercluster really are and how to find them. The appendix includes star charts, observing lists, and a guide on how to get involved in astronomy.Ferris takes us inside a major revolution sweeping astronomy, as lone amateur astronomers, in global networks linked by the Internet, make important discoveries that are the envy of the professionals. His ability to describe the wonders of the universe is simply magical, and his enthusiasm for his subject is irresistible.
Seeing in the Dark
by Timothy FerrisIn Seeing in the Dark, a poetic love letter to science and to the skies, Timothy Ferris invites us all to become stargazers. He recounts his own experiences as an enthralled lifelong amateur astronomer and reports from around the globe -- from England and Italy to the Florida Keys and the Chilean Andes -- on the revolution that's putting millions in touch with the night sky. In addition, Ferris offers an authoritative and engaging report on what's out there to be seen -- what Saturn, the Ring nebula, the Silver Coin galaxy, and the Virgo supercluster really are and how to find them. The appendix includes star charts, observing lists, and a guide on how to get involved in astronomy.Ferris takes us inside a major revolution sweeping astronomy, as lone amateur astronomers, in global networks linked by the Internet, make important discoveries that are the envy of the professionals. His ability to describe the wonders of the universe is simply magical, and his enthusiasm for his subject is irresistible.
Statistical Mechanics: Principles and Selected Applications
by Terrell L. HillBefore the publication of this standard, oft-cited book, there were few if any statistical-mechanics texts that incorporated reviews of both fundamental principles and recent developments in the field.In this volume, Professor Hill offers just such a dual presentation -- a useful account of basic theory and of its applications, made accessible in a comprehensive format. The book opens with concise, unusually clear introductory chapters on classical statistical mechanics, quantum statistical mechanics and the relation of statistical mechanics to thermodynamics. Then follows a wide-ranging, detailed examination of various applications. Chapter 4 deals with fluctuations. The fifth chapter treats the theory of imperfect gases and condensation, largely following Mayer's theory but also giving some new, alternative derivations and discussing in the final section Yang and Lee's theory. The sixth chapter is devoted to a discussion of distribution functions and the theory of the liquid state. Chapter 7 deals with nearest-neighbor (Ising) lattice statistics, while the last chapter discusses free-volume and hole theories of liquids and solids.Written primarily for graduate students and researchers in chemistry, physics and biology who already have some acquaintance with statistical mechanics, the book lends itself to use as a text for a second course in statistical mechanics, as a supplement to a first course or for self-study or reference. The level is neither introductory nor highly sophisticated; the author has generally emphasized material that is not available in other books. In addition, selected bibliographic references at the end of each chapter suggest supplementary reading.
Stowaway to the Mushroom Planet
by Eleanor CameronDoes anyone but Chuck Masterson and David Topman and Mr. Bass know about the Mushroom Planet? Well, there's Mr. Tyco Bass's cousin, Mr. Theo. He is a Mushroom Person, like Mr. Tyco, so he knows. And of course David and Chuck told their families about THE WONDERFUL FLIGHT TO THE MUSHROOM PLANET (along with a good many thousands of readers). But what if just an ordinary human being should happen to find out about it? Would it ruin everything? The answer is in this second story about Basidium, the small planet which can only be seen when Tyco Bass's special filter is affixed to the telescope. David and Chuck, returning to Basidium in their new space ship, have considerable difficulty carrying out Mr. Bass's wish that the planet be kept a dead secret. One Horatio Q. Peabody makes this trip even more of an adventure than the first one.
Truly Human Enhancement
by Nicholas AgarThe transformative potential of genetic and cybernetic technologies to enhance human capabilities is most often either rejected on moral and prudential grounds or hailed as the future salvation of humanity. In this book, Nicholas Agar offers a more nuanced view, making a case for moderate human enhancement -- improvements to attributes and abilities that do not significantly exceed what is currently possible for human beings. He argues against radical human enhancement, or improvements that greatly exceeds current human capabilities. Agar explores notions of transformative change and motives for human enhancement; distinguishes between the instrumental and intrinsic value of enhancements; argues that too much enhancement undermines human identity; considers the possibility of cognitively enhanced scientists; and argues against radical life extension. Making the case for moderate enhancement, Agar argues that many objections to enhancement are better understood as directed at the degree of enhancement rather than enhancement itself. Moderate human enhancement meets the requirement of truly human enhancement. By radically enhancing human cognitive capabilities, by contrast, we may inadvertently create beings ("post-persons") with moral status higher than that of persons. If we create beings more entitled to benefits and protections against harms than persons, Agar writes, this will be bad news for the unenhanced. Moderate human enhancement offers a more appealing vision of the future and of our relationship to technology.
Atmospheric Turbulence (Routledge Revivals)
by O.G. SuttonOriginally published in 1955 Atmospheric Turbulence examines dynamic meteorology and the fundamental part it plays in the overall science of meteorology. The book examines the theory of atmospheric turbulence as a more mathematically developed area than largescale motions of the atmosphere and examines its significance in economic, military and industrial spheres. The book focuses on the effect and importance of atmospheric turbulence, not only to meteorologists, but the designers of large aircraft. The book addresses the effects of turbulence and the properties of the atmosphere that can be found closer to the ground. This book will be of interest to atmospheric physicists and meteorologists.
Emerging Avian Disease
by Ellen PaulIn this volume, new human disease pandemics, arising from animals stimulated by ongoing environmental change, demonstrate the value of ornithological research into avian diseases. A group of 29 researchers addresses a diverse set of topics, including the evolutionary and ecological aspects of the host-vector systems, the effects of genetic variation, introduction success and vector ecology, evolution of resistance and virulence of pathogens, and the effects of changing geographic distributions. In addition to empirical studies under field conditions, the authors present predictive models to assess the movement and potential impact of these diseases. Other chapters delve into the potential impacts of pathogens and the key role of biosurveillance and documenting impacts of disease on bird populations.