Makers of Western Science
The Works and Words of 24 Visionaries from Copernicus to Watson and Crick
Published on 10. May 2012
Book
Paperback/Softback
224 pages
978-0-7864-6061-8 (ISBN)
Description
Non-scientists often perceive science as a dry, boring vocation pursued by dry, boring people. Contrary to popular perception, science has actually been the product of fascinating people seeking to explain the world around them. From Galileo's difficulties with the Inquisition, to the quirkiness of Newton, to the iconic figure that was Einstein, this innovative volume chronicles the history of science using extensive passages from the works of the scientists themselves. Who better to appeal to our common sense concerning the truth of a sun-centered universe than Copernicus himself? Kepler expresses in his own words the way in which he awoke to the revelation of elliptical orbits, and Darwin shares his slowly evolving ideas leading to the theory of natural selection. Part biography, part history, this work reveals the personalities behind the world's most significant scientific discoveries, providing an interesting new perspective on the human endeavor we call science.
Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.
Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.
Reviews / Votes
"Recommended"-Choice.More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Jefferson, NC
United States
Target group
Interest Age: From 18 years
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
bibliographies, index
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 178 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
434 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7864-6061-8 (9780786460618)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Todd Timmons is professor of history at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, where he has taught for more than 20 years. His interests cover a broad spectrum in the history of science, technology, and mathematics.
Content
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Preface
Introduction. Science in the Ancient and Medieval World
1. The Copernican Revolution
2. Galileo: Astronomy, the Birth of Modern Physics, and Science's Battle with the Church
3. Copernicus Perfected? Kepler and Planetary Orbits
4. Gilbert, Harvey, and the Experimental Method
5. Descartes, Boyle, and the Mechanical Philosophy
6. Linnaeus, Buffon and Eighteenth Century Natural History
7. Newton and the Pinnacle of the Scientific Revolution
8. Lavoisier, Dalton, and the Birth of Modern Chemistry
9. From Franklin to Faraday: Developments in the Science of Electricity
10. Paradigm Shift: Darwin and Natural Selection
11. Laplace to Galton: Uncertainty in the Physical and Social Sciences
12. Einstein, Bohr, and Twentieth-Century Physics
13. From the Individual to the Collective: Oppenheimer, the Manhattan Project, and the Emergence of "Big Science"
14. Genetics, Germ Theory, and DNA: The Work of Mendel, Pasteur, Watson and Crick
Index
Acknowledgments
Preface
Introduction. Science in the Ancient and Medieval World
1. The Copernican Revolution
2. Galileo: Astronomy, the Birth of Modern Physics, and Science's Battle with the Church
3. Copernicus Perfected? Kepler and Planetary Orbits
4. Gilbert, Harvey, and the Experimental Method
5. Descartes, Boyle, and the Mechanical Philosophy
6. Linnaeus, Buffon and Eighteenth Century Natural History
7. Newton and the Pinnacle of the Scientific Revolution
8. Lavoisier, Dalton, and the Birth of Modern Chemistry
9. From Franklin to Faraday: Developments in the Science of Electricity
10. Paradigm Shift: Darwin and Natural Selection
11. Laplace to Galton: Uncertainty in the Physical and Social Sciences
12. Einstein, Bohr, and Twentieth-Century Physics
13. From the Individual to the Collective: Oppenheimer, the Manhattan Project, and the Emergence of "Big Science"
14. Genetics, Germ Theory, and DNA: The Work of Mendel, Pasteur, Watson and Crick
Index