Geochemistry and the Biosphere: Essays - Softcover

Vladimir I. Vernadsky

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0907791360 ISBN 13: 9780907791362

Publisher: Synergetic Press Inc.,U.S., 2007

Synopsis

Vernadsky(1863-1945) is the highly venerated father of several geo-based disciplines, including geochemistry, biogeochemistry and radio geology. He wrote the first scientific theory about the biosphere, the life zone of the Earth and in the process laid the groundwork for planetary thinking. A recognised catalyst, this premier scientific work addresses in detail humanity's impact on the living systems of the planet. GEOCHEMISTRY AND THE BIOSPHERE contains his groundbreaking work on the biosphere and the no sphere, as well as his seminal work on geochemistry. Vernadsky maintains that the biosphere is a thin strata, a separate geological envelope, inhabited by living matter, the force of which exerts changes in its physical, chemical and mechanical properties. Moreover, this envelope is permeated by cosmic energy, which works even greater changes. Thus the biosphere, the stage on which changes are played out, will evolve over time. According to Vernadsky, from the biosphere a noösphere - a biosphere influenced by the activity of the human mind - will ultimately emerge. Vernadsky writes, Mankind's power is connected not with its matter but with its brain, its thoughts and its works, guided by its mind. In the geological history of the biosphere, a great future is opened to Man if he realises it and does not direct his mind and work to self-destruction.

About this title

Review:

"Vernadsky was a towering pioneer in understanding life on Earth and life coevolving with Earth. His protean range and profound insight shaped our worldview and continues to anticipate our learning." -- Amory Lovins Cofounder and CEO, Rocky Mountain Institute

"It is heartening to see this result of years of careful editorial work that has given us a timeless piece of scholarship, in which we witness a truly global systems thinker who was a hundred years ahead of his time..." --Professor Tyler Volk, Codirector Earth and Environmental Science Program

Synopsis:

Synergetic Press is proud to announce the long-awaited release of GEOCHEMISTRY AND THE BIOSPHERE, a meticulously edited, reader accessible, first English translation of the Russian essays by Vladimir I. Vernadsky (1863-1945). Vernadsky is the highly venerated father of several geo-based disciplines, including geochemistry, biogeochemistry, and radiogeology. He wrote the first scientific theory about the a??biosphere,a?? the life zone of the Earth, and in the process laid the groundwork for planetary thinking. A recognized catalyst, this premier scientific work addresses in detail humanitya??s impact on the living systems of the planet. GEOCHEMISTRY AND THE BIOSPHERE contains his groundbreaking work on the biosphere and the no??sphere, as well as his seminal work on geochemistry. Says Deborah Snyder, Chief Executive of Synergetic Press: a??The publication of these essays, written over sixty years ago, comes at an auspicious time. We have reached a point on our planet when serious debate on what to do about global warming can no longer be postponeda??an understanding of Vernadskya??s work on the biosphere and no??sphere is absolutely central to such conversations.

It is our hope that bringing Vernadskya??s ecological vision to the Englisha??speaking world will help deepen our understanding of planetary processes and enable us to become better stewards of our planet.a?? Vernadsky maintains that the biosphere is a thin strata, a separate a??geological envelope,a?? inhabited by living matter, the force of which exerts changes in its physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. Moreover, this envelope is permeated by cosmic energy, which works even greater changes. Thus the biosphere, the stage on which changes are played out, will evolve over time. According to Vernadsky, from the biosphere a no??sphere -- a biosphere influenced by the activity of the human mind -- will ultimately emerge. Vernadsky writes, a??Mankinda??s power is connected not with its matter but with its brain, its thoughts and its works, guided by its mind. In the geological history of the biosphere, a great future is opened to Man if he realizes it and does not direct his mind and work to self-destruction.a?? Snyder adds: a??Vernadsky was very much ahead of his time. Had his work been more widely translated, his name would be to biospherics what Einsteina??s is to relativity or Darwina?

?s to evolution. In Russia there are stamps, coins, streets, monuments, museums, libraries, mountain ranges, and more that bear his name or portrait. Throughout the world there are foundations and scholarships named after him. This release in English of his most important work is a significant contribution to Earth sciences.a?? In addition to profound insights into connections between organisms and their environment, GEOCHEMISTRY AND THE BIOSPHERE provides rare glimpses into a highly original scientific mind able to integrate knowledge of mineralogy, biochemistry, geochemistry, crystallography, soil science, and the history of science. The scope of his genius alone makes Vernadsky essential reading for scientists, academics, students, and general readers interested in understanding the present and future role of humans on the Earth.

About this edition

• Publisher: Synergetic Press Inc.,U.S.
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0907791360
• ISBN 13: 9780907791362
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 427
• Editor: Frank B. Salisbury