Science Pathways of Discovery [Hardcover]

Ivan Amato (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 9, 2002 | ISBN-10: 047105660X | ISBN-13: 978-0471056607

A sweeping overview of the most exciting areas in science, from the most respected scientific journal in the United States
This volume contains twelve essays commissioned by Science magazine to mark the dawn of the new millennium. Here, the world's leading scientists present historical overviews of the most exciting areas in science today, while also speculating on the future for each field. Topics range from planetary science and genomics to quantum physics, neuroscience, and cosmology. Along with the articles are detailed chronologies and introductions setting the tone for each chapter. The stellar cast of contributors includes Stephen Jay Gould, Nobel laureates Eric Kandel and Joshua Lederberg, Robert A. Weinberg, and Sir Martin Rees. This authoritative science history offers something for everyone interested in the story of science, past, present, and future.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Overall, flashes of scientific brilliance on offer here provide plenty of spectacle for the reader." (New Scientist, 6 April 2002)

"...a helpful timeline...concise, highly readable introductions to some of the most exciting and fast-moving disciplines in modern scientific endeavour...recommended to anyone wishing to broaden their knowledge of the most important scientific fields of our age." (Materials World, May 2002)

"…each essay embarks from a different perspective…each gives deep, awe-inspiring perceptions into how scientists ask questions…" (Chemistry & Industry, 4 November 2002)

??contains something for everyone?I heartily recommend it?? (The Chemical Educator, Vol.7, No.6, 2002)

From the Inside Flap

What characterizes the scientific way of knowing the world? What historical, intellectual, and personal pathways have led to the most exciting areas of scientific investigation? Where will those pathways lead? In Science Pathways of Discovery, sixteen of the most highly accomplished and articulate scientists in the world explore these and other questions.

Originally published as a year-long series in Science magazine, these twelve brilliant essays illuminate the ways in which the past 500 years of scientific discovery have provided countless new reasons for feeling awed by the wonders of the universe. From biology to astronomy, from physics to neuroscience to cosmology, Science Pathways of Discovery provides unique points of view and penetrating insights about the genesis, development, and major achievements of the scientific enterprise.

Through a surprising historical tale about a deceptive class of fossils called hysteroliths, renowned paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould examines the ways in which scientists get to know the world. Nobel Prize-winning geneticist and microbiologist Joshua Lederberg conducts a global tour of the intertwined history of humanity and microbes. David J. Stevenson explains how planetary scientists went from exploring the grandeur of our local cosmic neighborhood to becoming pivotal players in the quest to answer tantalizing questions about the origins of life, including where else it might exist in the universe.

Supplemented with informative timelines and brief introductions that provide context for each chapter, Science Pathways of Discovery invites you to discover the wonder and excitement of five centuries of scientific investigation, and to look toward the future with a better understanding and keener anticipation of wonders to come.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (January 9, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 047105660X
• ISBN-13: 978-0471056607
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,300,889 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Science Pathways of Discovery, February 22, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Science Pathways of Discovery (Hardcover)

This book gives a historical overviews of the most exciting areas in science today from the perspective of current, leading scientists. Also, you'll read their speculations on the future of each field and topics range from planetary science and genomics to quantum physics. This history offers insight into scientific past, present and future that you won't want to miss.