Introducing Science - Hardcover

Isaacs, Marla B.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0465034799 ISBN 13: 9780465034796

Publisher: Basic Books, 1964

Synopsis

THIS DIRECT AND LIVELY BOOK perf orms a genuine nservice to the reader eager to know what modern nscience is all about. nnOrganized around two central concepts matter nand energy Introducing Science uses no "scien- ntific" word without first explaining it and requires nno prior knowledge of mathematics. It makes neasily comprehensible the most recent advances nin physics, chemistry, biochemistry, and related nfields. nnDr. Isaacs first explains what constitutes inor- nganic, organic, and living matter including ele- nments, atoms, and molecules; gases, liquids, nsolids, and crystals; and cell reproduction, vi- nruses, and DNA. nnHe then turns to energy chemical, mechanical, nelectrical, radiant, and nuclear lucidly explain- ning such "complexities" as electromagnetic fields, nradiation, relativity, and thermonuclear reaction. nnIn the final section, he surveys the boundaries of nknowledge, discussing in particular the creation nof life and of the universe and the ultimate nature nof matter. nn"Public opinion in matters scientific," writes Isaac nAsimov in his Foreword, "cannot exist in a vac- nuum The knowledge on which a rational and nnconstructive public opinion may form itself can ncome only from the labors of those who . . . possess nthe ability to explain it to those without special- nized training and are willing to spend the time to ndo so.nDr. Isaacs is one of these scientist-writers. Within na small compass, without the use of mathematics, nwith minimum use of symbols, he manages to ncover the salient areas of chemistry and physics. nnScience is no mystery, and Dr. Isaacs makes it nnone. It is, indeed, a great adventure which all of nus ought to understand if not as professional nparticipants, then at least as intelligent and inter- nested onlookers. Dr. Isaacs helps us do that.

Edition details

• Publisher: Basic Books
• Publication date: 1964
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0465034799
• ISBN 13: 9780465034796
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 244