Science & Nature Books

Book SynopsisIn the past few decades, the field of ecology has made huge advancements thanks to stable isotopes. Ecologists need to understand the principles of stable isotopes to fully appreciate many studies in their discipline. Ecologists also need to be aware of isotopic approaches to enrich their toolbox for further advancing the discipline. A Primer on Stable Isotopes in Ecology is a concise and foundational resource for anyone interested in acquiring theoretical and practical knowledge for the application of stable isotopes in ecology.Readers will gain a more in-depth and complete knowledge of stable isotopes and explore isotopic methods used in ecological research, learning about stable isotope definitions, measurement, ecological processes, and applications in research. Chapters include in-depth descriptions of stable isotopes and their notation, isotope fractionation, isotope mixing, heavy isotope enrichment, and quantification methods by mass spectrometry and laser spectroscopy. The textTable of Contents1: Stable isotopes as a tool for ecologists 2: Stable isotopes, notations, and standards 3: Isotopic fractionation 4: Isotope mixing 5: Heavy isotope enrichments 6: Measuring stable isotopes

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Book SynopsisThe third edition of this established textbook provides an updated and comprehensive overview of the essential background, concepts, and tools required to understand how genetics can be used to conserve species, reduce threat of extinction, and manage species of ecological or commercial importance.Trade ReviewThis textbook is foremost a great reference for upper level undergraduate or graduate courses, as well as a good go-to reference for conservation genetic professionals. As a teaching resource, the plentiful boxes and guest boxes that present recent literature and contextual examples provide great platforms for student discussion and improved comprehension. * S.J. Galla et al., Conservation Genetics *The book nicely complements the theory with real-world examples and provides important background reading, which I would recommend to each student starting a conservation genomics project. Informed conservationists will also benefit from the overview on what is possible with today's technologies. The authors did an excellent job in summarizing the recent developments and included the most recent discussion in the literature. * G. Segelbacher, Evolutionary Applications *This book provides a solid background on theory and concepts and demonstrates how they underpin the interpretation of genomic data. This is a strength that will see this book stay as one of the few key textbooks in conservation genetics in the future. It is straight to the point and ideal for those coming to grips with the world of conservation genomics. * L.E. Neaves, Biodiversity and Conservation *This book provides conservation biologists with an ideal way to get acquainted with evolutionary genetics and the use of genomics in conservation science. It will help readers gain insightful understanding of the theory of population genetics that underpins conservation genetics. The study of conservation genetics and genomics is assisted by a comprehensive glossary, which even sheds light on such unusual terms as gnomics! If you are using or planning to use a genomic approach in conservation, go for this edition; it will be invaluable. * G. Sramkó, Conservation Biology *Table of ContentsPreface PART I: INTRODUCTION 1: Introduction 2: Phenotypic Variation in Natural Populations 3: Genetic Variation in Natural Populations 4: Population Genomics PART II: MECHANISMS OF EVOLUTIONARY CHANGE 5: Random Mating Populations: Hardy-Weinberg Principle 6: Small Populations and Genetic Drift 7: Effective Population Size 8: Natural Selection 9: Population Subdivision 10: Beyond Individual Loci 11: Quantitative Genetics 12: Mutation PART III: EVOLUTIONARY RESPONSE TO ANTHROPOGENIC CHANGES 13: Hybridization 14: Invasive Species 15: Exploited Populations 16: Climate Change PART IV: CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT 17: Inbreeding Depression 18: Demography and Extinction 19: Population Connectivity 20: Units of Conservation 21: Conservation Breeding and Restoration 22: Genetic Identification 23: Genetic Monitoring 24: guest chapter author Helen R. Taylor: Conservation Genetics in Practice Glossary COMPANION WEBSITE MATERIALS (Available at www.oup.com/companion/AllendorfCGP3e ) Appendix: Probability, Statistics, and Coding References

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Book SynopsisWritten primarily for 16-19 year old students, this primer introduces the key features of the marine environment and explores the great diversity of life which the ocean supports, as well as discussing the threats to this environment and its biodiversity that result from human activity.Trade ReviewA great resource for any student or practitioner with an interest in marine science. * Dr Cecilia Liszka, The Marine Biologist, 26 April 2023 *It is undeniably an ambitious undertaking and strikes a necessary balance between breadth and depth of subject matter. It also does an impressive job of synthesizing this dynamic multidisciplinary field, and the result is a neat review of cross-cutting concepts and considerations any student of marine science will encounter throughout their career. * Dr Cecilia Liszka, The Marine Biologist, 26 April 2023 *The Marine Environment and Biodiversity certainly fulfils its brief: it provides an overview of some of the core branches of oceanographic science, illustrated with interesting case studies and a glossary of terms; it offers the motivated reader 'pause for thought' problems to explore independently; and each chapter ends with a selection of further reading and questions to stimulate discussion. * Dr Cecilia Liszka, The Marine Biologist, 26 April 2023 *Table of Contents1: The marine environment: United and divided 2: The ocean in motion 3: Seawater matters 4: What is marine biodiversity? 5: Measuring marine biodiversity 6: What does marine biodiversity do for us? 7: What are we doing to marine biodiversity?

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Book SynopsisWritten primarily for 16-19-year-old students, this primer introduces the subject of developmental biology through a wide range of organisms, offering insights into the fundamental principles that shape life''s diverse and extraordinary forms. It covers all the essential topics, including cell biology, cell signalling, cell specialization, genomic control of development, evidence for evolution, and cell ageing and death.The author guides students carefully and gradually through the concise contents, providing a robust basis for understanding the molecular and morphological events that occur during embryo development, but that are also important in adult homeostasis, regeneration, and disease. Students will delve into the secrets of stem cells, the marvels of regeneration, and the paradox of how a broadly conserved genome can support the biodiversity we see throughout the natural world. Engaging case studies and ''scientific approach'' boxes challenge the reader to think critically and Table of Contents1: Why aren't we all worms? 2: How and why do cells talk to each other? 3: The secret lives of stem cells 4: Embryo origami 5: Creating diverse and extreme body plans 6: The good, the bad, and the old: developmental principles in regeneration and ageing

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Book SynopsisBlack holes present one of the most fascinating predictions of Einstein''s general theory of relativity. There is strong evidence of their existence through observation of active galactic nuclei, including the centre of our galaxy, observations of gravitational waves, and others.There exists a large scientific literature on black holes, including many excellent textbooks at various levels. However, most of these steer clear from the mathematical niceties needed to make the theory of black holes a mathematical theory. Those which maintain a high mathematical standard are either focused on specific topics, or skip many details. The objective of this book is to fill this gap and present a detailed, mathematically oriented, extended introduction to the subject.The book provides a wide background to the current research on all mathematical aspects of the geometry of black hole spacetimes.Trade ReviewWritten with a high standard of rigor and care, with very good treatments of many topics that are hard to find elsewhere. * Robert Wald, University of Chicago *Including some very interesting and unique material, the book is written in a manner that will be accessible for students, and provide a valuable resource for experts working in mathematical general relativity. * Greg Galloway, University of Miami *This text is an excellent research level monograph exploring the detailed and rich structure of black holes in mathematical physics. * Kymani Armstrong-Williams, Physics Book Reviews *Table of ContentsPART I GLOBAL LORENTZIAN GEOMETRY 1: Basic Notions 2: Elements of causality 3: Some applications PART II BLACK HOLES 4: An introduction to black holes 5: Further selected solutions 6: Extensions, conformal diagrams 7: Projection diagrams 8: Dynamical black holes

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Book SynopsisOne of the clearest and most straightforward texts ever published, Understanding Mechanics covers all the topics required in the single-subject A Level. It is equally appropriate for those preparing for other Mathematics examinations at A Level and for students on technical courses in further and higher education. Key Points: Principles are introduced in a simple and direct manner and all have worked examples Ample opportunity is given for practice with questions and exercises carefully graded to provide a steady progression Each chapter closes with a comprehensive selection of recent examination questions Answers are given at the back of the bookTrade ReviewA lucid text with many sets of questions... make the whole a most acceptable work. * TES *Table of Contents1. Vectors ; 2. Distance, velocity and acceleration ; 3. Force and Newton's laws ; 4. Resultants and components of forces ; 5. Equilibrium and acceleration under concurrent forces ; 6. Friction ; 7. Moments ; 8. Centre of gravity ; 9. General equilibrium of a rigid body ; 10. Resultant velocity and relative velocity ; 11. Work, energy and power ; 12. Projectiles ; 13. Circular motion ; 14. Momentum and impulse ; 15. Elasticity ; 16. Use of calculus ; 17. Simple harmonic motion ; 18. Compound bodies and frameworks

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Book SynopsisJust how much good has medicine done over the years? And how much damage does it continue to do? The history of medicine begins with Hippocrates in the fifth century BC. Yet until the invention of antibiotics in the 1930s doctors, in general, did their patients more harm than good. In this fascinating new look at the history of medicine, David Wootton argues that for more than 2300 years doctors have relied on their patients'' misplaced faith in their ability to cure. Over and over again major discoveries which could save lives were met with professional resistance. And this is not just a phenomenon of the distant past. The first patient effectively treated with penicillin was in the 1880s; the second not until the 1940s. There was overwhelming evidence that smoking caused lung cancer in the 1950s; but it took thirty years for doctors to accept the claim that smoking was addictive. As Wootton graphically illustrates, throughout history and right up to the present, bad medical practice has often been deeply entrenched and stubbornly resistant to evidence. This is a bold and challenging book - and the first general history of medicine to acknowledge the frequency with which doctors do harm.Trade ReviewAptly described as 'explosive' by the British Medical Journal, Bad Medicine is a four-chapter thriller written by accomplished British historian David Wootton ... Wootton's writing style serves as an excellent example to both historians and philosophers: short, concise, clear and engaging sentences which are structured around the period or argument presented ... Overall, Wootton majestically manages to apply historical objectivity to emotionally sensitive issues like death, dying and disease. * Alex Benedyk , Economics and Philosophy Blog *This book is provocative and well written; it leaves you wanting to find out more. * Sameer Rahim, Daily Telegraph *Bad Medicine is provocative and iconoclastic; essential reading for every GP. * PD Smith, The Guardian *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION: BAD MEDICINE/BETTER MEDICINE; PART I: THE HIPPOCRATIC TRADITION; CONCLUSION TO PART I: THE PLACEBO EFFECT; PART II: REVOLUTION POSTPONED; CONCLUSION TO PART II: TRUST NOT THE PHYSICIAN; PART III: MODERN MEDICINE; CONCLUSION TO PART III: PROGRESS DELAYED; PART FOUR: AFTER CONTAGION

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Book SynopsisThis is a book about an ocean that vanished six million years ago - the ocean of Tethys. Named after a Greek sea nymph, there is a sense of mystery about such a vast, ancient ocean, of which all that remains now are a few little pools, like the Caspian Sea. There were other great oceans in the history of the Earth - Iapetus, Panthalassa - but Tethys was the last of them, vanishing a mere moment (in geological terms) before Man came on the scene. Once Tethys stretched across the world. How do we know? And how could such a vast ocean vanish? The clues of its existence are scattered from Morocco to China. This book tells the story of the ocean, from its origins some 250 million years ago, to its disappearance. It also tells of its impact on life on Earth. The dinosaurs were just beginning to get going when Tethys formed, and they were long dead by the time it disappeared. Dorrik Stow describes the powerful forces that shaped the ocean; the marine life it once held and the rich deposits ofTrade ReviewReview from previous edition Vanished Ocean is an ideal book for those who are already widely read in natural science. It should appeal strongly to legions of former science students who, having since made their way in the world as accountants and personnel managers, hanker for the interest ad excitement of a life they once glimpsed but were unable to grasp. * Ted Nield, Literary Review *'Vanished Ocean' is an ideal general reader for students and those who are already widely read in natural science. * Ted Nield, Geoscientist *A wealth of nourishing knowledge revealed through the history of Tethyan Realm. * Ted Nield, Geoscientist *'Vanished Ocean' is an ideal book for those who are already widely read in natural science. * Ted Nield, Literary Review *A well argued contribution to one of the great scientific debates of the last 30 years. * Jonathan Beard, New Scientist *Table of ContentsPreface ; 1. Tethys the Sea Goddess ; 2. Pangea the Supercontinent and the Birth of Tethys ; 3. Extinction, Evolution, and the Great Cycles of Life ; 4. Tethyan Fecundity in the Jurassic Seas ; 5. Black Death to Black Gold ; 6. The Greatest Flood of All Time: Rise and Fall of the Seas ; 7. End of an Era: The Debate Continues ; 8. Portrait of the Tethys Seaway ; 9. Closing Ocean, Rising Mountain ; 10. Death Throes of an Ocean ; 11. Epilogue: Perspective on the Future ; Further Reading ; Glossary of terms

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Book SynopsisComputational complexity is one of the most beautiful fields of modern mathematics, and it is increasingly relevant to other sciences ranging from physics to biology. But this beauty is often buried underneath layers of unnecessary formalism, and exciting recent results like interactive proofs, phase transitions, and quantum computing are usually considered too advanced for the typical student. This book bridges these gaps by explaining the deep ideas of theoretical computer science in a clear and enjoyable fashion, making them accessible to non-computer scientists and to computer scientists who finally want to appreciate their field from a new point of view. The authors start with a lucid and playful explanation of the P vs. NP problem, explaining why it is so fundamental, and so hard to resolve. They then lead the reader through the complexity of mazes and games; optimization in theory and practice; randomized algorithms, interactive proofs, and pseudorandomness; Markov chains and phase transitions; and the outer reaches of quantum computing. At every turn, they use a minimum of formalism, providing explanations that are both deep and accessible. The book is intended for graduate and undergraduate students, scientists from other areas who have long wanted to understand this subject, and experts who want to fall in love with this field all over again.Trade ReviewA creative, insightful, and accessible introduction to the theory of computing, written with a keen eye toward the frontiers of the field and a vivid enthusiasm for the subject matter. * Jon Kleinberg, Cornell University *To put it bluntly: this book rocks! It's 900+ pages of awesome. It somehow manages to combine the fun of a popular book with the intellectual heft of a textbook, so much so that I don't know what to call it (but whatever the genre is, there needs to be more of it!). * Scott Aaronson, Massachusetts Institute of Technology *Moore and Mertens guide the reader through the interesting field of computational complexity in a clear, broadly accessible and informal manner, while systematically explaining the main concepts and approaches in this area and the existing links to other disciplines. The book is comprehensive and can be easily used as a textbook, at both advanced undergraduate and postgraduate levels, but is equally useful for researchers in neighbouring disciplines, such as statistical physics [...]. Some of the material covered, such as approximability issues and Probabilistically Checkable Proofs is typically not presented in books of this type, and the authors do an excellent job in presenting them very clearly and convincingly. * David Saad, Aston University, Birmingham *A treasure trove of ideas, concepts and information on algorithms and complexity theory. Serious material presented in the most delightful manner! * Vijay Vazirani, Georgia Instituute of Technology *In a class by itself - in The Nature of Computation, Cristopher Moore and Stephan Mertens have produced one of the most successful attempts to capture the broad scope and intellectual depth of theoretical computer science as it is practiced today. The Nature of Computation is one of those books you can open to a random page and find something amazing, surprising and, often, very funny. * American Scientist *a comprehensive, accessible, and highly enjoyable book that conveys the key intellectual contributions of the theory of computing ... a valuable resource for any educator * Haris Aziz, SIGACT *The book is highly recommended for all interested readers: in or out of courses, students undergraduate or graduate, researchers in other fields eager to learn the subject, or scholars already in the field who wish to enrich their current understanding. It makes for a great textbook in a conventional theory of computing course, as I can testify from recent personal experience (I used it once; Ill use it again!). With its broad and deep wealth of information, it would be a top contender for one of my desert island books.TNoC speaks directly, clearly, convincingly, and entetainingly, but also goes much further: it inspires. * Frederic Green, SIGACT *Table of Contents1. Prologue ; 2. The Basics ; 3. Insights and Algorithms ; 4. Needles in a Haystack: The class NP ; 5. Who is the Hardest One of All: NP-Completeness ; 6. The Deep Question: P vs. NP ; 7. Memory, Paths and games ; 8. Grand Unified Theory of Computation ; 9. Simply the Best: Optimization ; 10. The Power of Randomness ; 11. Random Walks and Rapid Mixing ; 12. Counting, Sampling, and Statistical Physics ; 13. When Formulas Freeze: Phase Transitions in Computation ; 14. Quantum Computing ; 15. Epilogue ; 16. Appendix: Mathematical Tools

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Book Synopsis100 years ago, Einstein''s theory of relativity shattered the world of physics. Our comforting Newtonian ideas of space and time were replaced by bizarre and counterintuitive conclusions: if you move at high speed, time slows down, space squashes up and you get heavier; travel fast enough and you could weigh as much as a jumbo jet, be squashed thinner than a CD without feeling a thing - and live for ever. And that was just the Special Theory. With the General Theory came even stranger ideas of curved space-time, and changed our understanding of gravity and the cosmos. This authoritative and entertaining Very Short Introduction makes the theory of relativity accessible and understandable. Using very little mathematics, Russell Stannard explains the important concepts of relativity, from E=mc2 to black holes, and explores the theory''s impact on science and on our understanding of the universe.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of ContentsFURTHER READING; INDEX

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Book SynopsisSuperconductivity is one of the most exciting areas of research in physics today. Outlining the history of its discovery, and the race to understand its many mysterious and counter-intuitive phenomena, this Very Short Introduction explains in accessible terms the theories that have been developed, and how they have influenced other areas of science, including the Higgs boson of particle physics and ideas about the early Universe. It is an engaging and informative account of a fascinating scientific detective story, and an intelligible insight into some deep and beautiful ideas of physics.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of Contents1. What is superconductivity? ; 2. The quest for low temperatures ; 3. The discovery of superconductivity ; 4. Expulsion ; 5. Pairing up ; 6. Symmetry ; 7. Before the breakthrough ; 8. High-temperature superconductivity ; 9. The making of the new superconductors ; 10. What have superconductors ever done for us? ; Dramatis personae ; Further Reading ; Index

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Book SynopsisHow does the chemical description of a protein relate to its three-dimensional structure? How does the three-dimensional structure relate to the machinery that brings about a chemical reaction? How does the sequence of a gene encode not only the sequence of a protein but, more importantly, the architecture and function of that protein?Protein Structure and Function provides a clear and critical survey of our current understanding of the structure and function of proteins to answer questions such as these. Opening with a consideration of the link between protein sequence and structure, it goes on to explore the structural basis of protein function and how this function is controlled. Finally, it examines a range of case studies that illuminate the range of roles performed by proteins, and the diverse structures these proteins exhibit.Protein Structure and Function combines articulate prose with striking full colour illustrations, while the unique Primers in Biology modular structure intTrade ReviewA really good book provides a wealth of information in a manner that the reader remembers what he/she has read. This book does just that. The contents just pop into mind from time to time. This book will be a winner. * Tom Bruice, University of California, Santa Barbara *This treatment and focus is much needed. It will be essential reading by students and faculty alike, and will serve as a crucial reference book for everyone in the biosciences. * James Spudich, Stanford University School of Medicine *It is well-written, makes for interesting reading and contains a number of excellent examples. The whole book appears to be an important, useful and timely one. * Roman Laskowski, European Bioinformatics Institute *Table of Contents1. From Sequence to Structure ; 2. From Structure to Function ; 3. Control of Protein Function ; 4. From Sequence to Function: Case Studies in Structural and Functional Genomics ; 5. Structure Determination

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Book SynopsisThis book provides an introduction to Einstein's general theory of relativity. A "physics-first" approach is adopted so that interesting applications come before the more difficult task of solving the Einstein equation. The book includes extensive coverage of cosmology, and is designed to allow readers to study the subject alone.Trade ReviewReview from previous edition This is a great time to have published a fresh new undergraduate text on relativity and cosmology...this is an excellent textbook which this reviewer would rate as the text of choice for a course on relativity and cosmology aimed at physics and astronomy undergraduates. * American Journal of Physics *Table of ContentsI: PRELIMINARIES; II: RELATIVITY - METRIC DESCRIPTION OF SPACETIME; III: COSMOLOGY; IV: RELATIVITY - FULL TENSOR FORMULATION

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Book SynopsisMagnetism is a strange force, mysteriously attracting one object to another apparently through empty space. It has been claimed as a great healer, with magnetic therapies being proposed over the centuries and still popular today. Why are its mysterious important to solve? In this Very Short Introduction, Stephen J. Blundell explains why. For centuries magnetism has been used for various exploits; through compasses it gave us navigation and through motors, generators, and turbines it has given us power. Blundell explores our understanding of electricity and magnetism, from the work of Galvani, Ampere, Faraday, and Tesla, and goes on to explore how Maxwell and Faraday''s work led to the unification of electricity and magnetism, thought of as one of the most imaginative developments in theoretical physics. With a discussion of the relationship between magnetism and relativity, quantum magnetism, and its impact on computers and information storage, Blundell shows how magnetism has changed our fundamental understanding of the Universe. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewThis quite amazing book covers practically everything there is to know about magnetism. Ten seconds after opening the book, having scanned the contents section, I knew I was going to read not only about the birth of magnetism as a branch of scientific study, but also about Maxwells equations, relativity, quantum magnetism and technology. Two pages into the book, and I knew that the book was written in a relaxed, engaging, easy-to-follow style, which the author maintains throughout. * Paul van Kampen, Dublin City University, Contemporary Science *Table of ContentsMATHEMATICAL APPENDIX; FURTHER READING

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Book SynopsisOceans make up most of the surface of our blue planet. They may form just a sliver on the outside of the Earth, but they are very important, not only in hosting life, including the fish and other animals on which many humans depend, but in terms of their role in the Earth system, in regulating climate, and cycling nutrients. As climate change, pollution, and over-exploitation by humans puts this precious resource at risk, it is more important than ever that we understand and appreciate the nature and history of oceans. There is much we still do not know about the story of the Earth''s oceans, and we are only just beginning to find indications of oceans on other planets. In this book, geologists Jan Zalasiewicz and Mark Williams consider the deep history of oceans, how and when they may have formed on the young Earth -- topics of intense current research -- how they became salty, and how they evolved through Earth history. We learn how oceans have formed and disappeared over millions of years, how the sea nurtured life, and what may become of our oceans in the future. We encounter some of the scientists and adventurers whose efforts led to our present understanding of oceans. And we look at clues to possible seas that may once have covered parts of Mars and Venus, that may still exist, below the surface, on moons such as Europa and Callisto, and the possibility of watery planets in other star systems.Trade ReviewThis book crams a lot of information into its 265 pages, all well referenced with notes at the back. From pirates to exoplanets and penis-worms to space probes this is truly the story of water, life, and discovery. A must-read for those with a hunger for general knowledge, or any interest in the topic. You will certainly find something new to explore further in this fascinating and accessibly written book. * Jonathan Scafidi, The Geological Society *Fluid and fascinating prose with just the right dosage of entertaining anecdotes and human interest * Chemistry & Industry, Michael Gross *readable and absorbing account * Guardian, Devorah Bennu *[A] fast-paced but very readable ride through deep time ... Recommended. All academic library collections * CHOICE *Exhilirating foray * Barbara Kiser, Nature *Table of ContentsPreface 1: Water in the Cosmos 2: Ocean Origins on Earth 3: Ocean Forms 4: The Salt of the Earth 5: Moving the Waters 6: Life of the Oceans 7: Oceans in Crisis 8: The End of Earthly Oceans 9: Oceans of the Solar System 10: Undreamed Shores Notes References and Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisLight enables us to see the world around us. Our sense of sight provides us with direct information about space and time, the physical arrangement of the world, and how it changes. This almost universal shared sensation of vision has led to a fascination with the nature and properties of light across the ages. But the light we see is just a small part of the whole spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, ranging from radio waves to gamma rays.In this Very Short Introduction Ian Walmsley discusses early attempts to explain light, and the development of apparently opposing particulate and wave theories by scientists such as Isaac Newton and Christiaan Huygens. He shows how light was recognized as an electromagnetic wave in the 19th century, and the development of the quantum mechanics view of wave-particle duality in the 20th century. He also describes the many applications of light, domestic and scientific, such as microwaves, DVDs, and lasers. We now use the whole range of electromagnetic radiation to peer both into the human body and deep into space. Turning to the future of optics, Walmsley concludes by looking at some of the most exciting new developments using quantum light sources in communications and computing.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade Reviewa solid little collection of material on the nature of light. * Popularscience.com *Table of Contents1. What is light? ; 2. Rays ; 3. Waves ; 4. Duality ; 5. Light matters ; 6. Light, space and time ; 7. Lighting the frontiers ; 8. Quantum Light ; 9. Twilight ; Further Reading ; Index

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Book SynopsisThe Nature of Complex Networks provides a systematic introduction to the statistical mechanics of complex networks and the different theoretical achievements in the field that are now finding strands in common.The book presents a wide range of networks and the processes taking place on them, including recently developed directions, methods, and techniques. It assumes a statistical mechanics view of random networks based on the concept of statistical ensembles but also features the approaches and methods of modern random graph theory and their overlaps with statistical physics.This book will appeal to graduate students and researchers in the fields of statistical physics, complex systems, graph theory, applied mathematics, and theoretical epidemiology.Trade ReviewThe current volume by Dorogovtsev and Mendes takes quite a broad view of complex networks to include the analysis of finite and infinite graphs, directed and undirected graphs, multigraphs, hypergraphs, and even simplicial complexes, as networks scale according to increasing N or in some other fashion. The writing style is that of physics and especially statistical mechanics with frequent connections made to physical concepts such as Bose-Einstein condensation...The current volume can especially serve as a useful reference on complex networks from a physics perspective. * Lenwood S. Heath, MathSciNet *Table of ContentsPreface 1: First insight 2: Graphs 3: Classical random graphs 4: Equilibrium networks 5: Evolving networks 6: Connected components 7: Epidemics and spreading phenomena 8: Networks of networks 9: Spectra and communities 10: Walks and search 11: Temporal networks 12: Cooperative systems on networks 13: Inference and reconstruction 14: What's next? Further Reading Appendices A-G References

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Book SynopsisCovering the elementary aspects of the physics of phases transitions and the renormalization group, this popular book is widely used both for core graduate statistical mechanics courses as well as for more specialized courses. Emphasizing understanding and clarity rather than technical manipulation, these lectures de-mystify the subject and show precisely how things work. Goldenfeld keeps in mind a reader who wants to understand why things are done, what the results are, and what in principle can go wrong. The book reaches both experimentalists and theorists, students and even active researchers, and assumes only a prior knowledge of statistical mechanics at the introductory graduate level.Advanced, never-before-printed topics on the applications of renormalization group far from equilibrium and to partial differential equations add to the uniqueness of this book.Table of ContentsIntroduction * Scaling and Dimensional Analysis * Power Laws in Statistical Physics * Some Important Questions * Historical Development * Exercises How Phase Transitions Occur In Principle * Review of Statistical Mechanics * The Thermodynamic Limit * Phase Boundaries and Phase Transitions * The Role of Models * The Ising Model * Analytic Properties of the Ising Model * Symmetry Properties of the Ising Model * Existence of Phase Transitions * Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking * Ergodicity Breaking * Fluids * Lattice Gases * Equivalence in Statistical Mechanics * Miscellaneous Remarks * Exercises How Phase Transitions Occur In Practice * Ad Hoc Solution Methods * The Transfer Matrix * Phase Transitions * Thermodynamic Properties * Spatial Correlations * Low Temperature Expansion * Mean Field Theory * Exercises Critical Phenomena in Fluids * Thermodynamics * Two-Phase Coexistence * Vicinity of the Critical Point * Van der Waals Equation * Spatial Correlations * Measurement of Critical Exponents * Exercises Landau Theory * Order Parameters * Common Features of Mean Field Theories * Phenomenological Landau Theory * Continuous Phase Transitions * Inhomogeneous Systems * Correlation Functions * Exercises Fluctuations and the Breakdown of Landau Theory * Breakdown of Microscopic Landau Theory * Breakdown of Phenomenological Landau Theory * The Gaussian Approximation * Critical Exponents * Exercises Scaling in Static, Dynamic and Non-Equilibrium Phenomena * The Static-Scaling Hypothesis * Other Forms of the Scaling Hypothesis * Dynamic Critical Phenomena * Scaling in the Approach to Equilibrium * Summary The Renormalisation Group * Block Spins * Basic Ideas of the Renormalisation Group * Fixed Points * Origin of Scaling * RG in Differential Form * RG for the Two Dimensional Ising Model * First Order Transitions and Non-Critical Properties * RG for the Correlation Function * Crossover Phenomena * Correlations to Scaling * Finite Size Scaling Anomalous Dimensions Far From Equilibrium * Introduction * Similarity Solutions * Anomalous Dimensions in Similarity Solutions * Renormalisation * Perturbation Theory for Barenblatts Equation * Fixed Points * Conclusion Continuous Symmetry * Correlation in the Ordered Phase * Kosterlitz-Thouless Transition Critical Phenomena Near Four Dimensions * Basic Idea of the Epsilon Expansion * RG for the Gaussian Model * RG Beyond the Gaussian Approximation * Feyman Diagrams * The RG Recursion Relations * Conclusion

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Book SynopsisFinished only weeks before his death in 1994, this autobiography traces the trajectory that led Feyerabend him from an isolated, lower-middle-class childhood in Vienna to the height of international academic success as one of this century's most influential intellectuals.

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Book SynopsisOriginally published in German in 1935, this monograph anticipated solutions to problems of scientific progress, the truth of scientific fact and the role of error in science now associated with the work of Thomas Kuhn and others. Arguing that every scientific concept and theoryincluding his ownis culturally conditioned, Fleck was appreciably ahead of his time. And as Kuhn observes in his foreword, Though much has occurred since its publication, it remains a brilliant and largely unexploited resource.To many scientists just as to many historians and philosophers of science facts are things that simply are the case: they are discovered through properly passive observation of natural reality. To such views Fleck replies that facts are invented, not discovered. Moreover, the appearance of scientific facts as discovered things is itself a social construction, a made thing. A work of transparent brilliance, one of the most significant contributions toward a thoroughly sociological account o

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Book SynopsisSeparating hype from fact, this text investigates the fate of embodiment in an information age. It relates three issues: information as an entity separate from the material forms that carry it; the construction of the Cyborg; and the dismantling of the humanist "subject" in cybernetic discourse.

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Book SynopsisThis introduction to the philosophy of technology discusses its sources and uses. Tracing the changing meaning of technology from ancient times to the modern day, it identifies two important traditions of critical analysis of technology: the engineering approach and the humanities approach.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"This book is a valuable resource. The topics have been thoroughly researched, and the documentation in notes at the end of the book is meticulous. Impressively, even with the depth of its detail, the book is a pleasure to read. Strongly recommended."--John West, University of California, San Diego "I love this book. With its focus on biomedical research in extreme environments, Higher and Colder shows how twentieth-century expeditions--to the Arctic, the Antarctic, and the Himalayas--are stranger than we thought. This story of exploration plays out on ice caps and mountaintops, but also in places not often sketched on the expeditionary map: inside barometric chambers, scientific outposts, and medical laboratories. Heggie examines the tangible and visceral aspects of expeditionary work--blood, food, clothing, equipment--in order to challenge our basic assumptions about the history of expeditionary science: that we know what it is and how it gets done."--Michael Robinson, University of Hartford "Vanessa Heggie brings to vivid life the history of the sciences of human survival at its limits. Higher and Colder offers a bold and persuasive interpretation of exploration as a scientific practice in the twentieth century, when Mount Everest and the polar regions became natural laboratories for physiological experiments, racial ideologies, gender hierarchies, indigenous technologies, and everyday practices of exploration. Elegantly written, it provides a welcome historical perspective on the biomedical research that has saved the lives of thousands of hikers and mountaineers."--Peter Hansen, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

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Book SynopsisHumans are a striking anomaly in the natural world. While we are similar to other mammals in many ways, our behavior sets us apart. This book offers a radical interpretation of human evolution, arguing that our ecological dominance and our singular social systems stem from a psychology uniquely adapted to create complex culture.Trade Review"Not by Genes Alone is a valuable and very readable synthesis of a still embryonic but very important subject straddling the sciences and humanities." - E. O. Wilson, Harvard University "I continue to be surprised by the number of educated people (many of them biologists) who think that offering explanations for human behavior in terms of culture somehow disproves the suggestion that human behavior can be explained in Darwinian evolutionary terms. Fortunately, we now have a book to which they may be directed for enlightenment.... It is a book full of good sense and the kinds of intellectual rigor and clarity of writing that we have come to expect from the Boyd/Richerson stable." - Robin Dunbar, Nature"

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Book SynopsisThere is much to love between this book's covers. . . . There are many eureka moments in Life Sculptedand some truly beautiful ones.Eugenia Bone, Wall Street Journal Meet the menagerie of lifeforms that dig, crunch, bore, and otherwise reshape our planet. Did you know elephants dig ballroom-sized caves alongside volcanoes? Or that parrotfish chew coral reefs and poop sandy beaches? Or that our planet once hosted a five-ton dinosaur-crunching alligator cousin? In fact, almost since its fascinating start, life was boring. Billions of years ago bacteria, algae, and fungi began breaking down rocks in oceans, a role they still perform today. About a half-billion years ago, animal ancestors began drilling, scraping, gnawing, or breaking rocky seascapes. In turn, their descendants crunched through the materials of life itselfshells, wood, and bones. Today, such bioeroders continue to shape our planetfrom the bacteria that devour our teeth to the mighty moon snail, always hunting for food, as evidenced by tiny snail-made boreholes in clams and other moon snails. There is no better guide to these lifeforms than Anthony J. Martin, a popular science author, paleontologist, and co-discoverer of the first known burrowing dinosaur. Following the crumbs of lichens, sponges, worms, clams, snails, octopi, barnacles, sea urchins, termites, beetles, fishes, dinosaurs, crocodilians, birds, elephants, and (of course) humans, Life Sculpted reveals how bioerosion expanded with the tree of life, becoming an essential part of how ecosystems function while reshaping the face of our planet. With vast knowledge and no small amount of whimsy, Martin uses paleontology, biology, and geology to reveal the awesome power of life's chewing force. He provokes us to think deeply about the past and present of bioerosion, while also considering how knowledge of this history might aid us in mitigating and adapting to climate change in the future. Yes, Martin concedes, sometimes life can be hardbut life also makes everything less hard every day.Trade Review"It is often said that life changes the environment. But after reading Martin’s Life Sculpted, it seems more accurate to say that living changes the environment. It was true of the dinosaur era, and it remains true today. . . . For readers who are fascinated by living fossils such as bryozoans and horseshoe crabs, there is much to love between this book’s covers. . . . There are many eureka moments in Life Sculpted—and some truly beautiful ones. . . . The key takeaway of Life Sculpted, and ichnology more generally, is that geology is indistinguishable from biology. A prevailing theme in popular culture these days is that all life is connected. But what Martin implies is that it is not only biotic organisms that are interdependent, but the geological and chemical systems of the planet, too. And while the gap between the biotic and abiotic worlds may seem huge, it’s the science that’s complicated. So, while Life Sculpted is not everybody’s idea of beach reading, think of it this way: It’s the beach." -- Eugenia Bone * Wall Street Journal *"A sampling of chapter headings in Life Sculpted: 'A Boring History of Life,' 'More Bones to Pick' and—most memorably—'Your Beach is Made of Parrotfish Poop.' Ever the tuned-in observer, Martin once noticed a sound while snorkeling, 'a crunching and popping reminiscent of sugary breakfast cereals meeting milk.' Fish, he discovered, were chowing down on the reef and then ejecting sand. Some sedimentary cycles later, we get a postcard-worthy playground. And don’t get him started on starfish: 'If you ever find a wayward sea star or other echinoderm near a beach, whatever you do, do not put it in freshwater, as this will surely kill it,' he writes. 'The same principle applies to keeping it on a shelf at home, or wearing one as a sheriff badge, which will quickly become a stinking badge, which you do not need.' You groan, but will you forget that image?" -- Candice Dyer * Atlanta Journal-Constitution *"A bewildering array of lifeforms break, scrape, and mold our planet to their own ends, from elephants digging caves by volcanoes to bacteria breaking down rocks in the oceans. Bioerosion is a distinct area of science, covering paleontology, biology, and geology. It's also testament to how life adapts to change, something relevant in the current Anthropocene era." * Bookseller *"Much of Martin's discussion involves ichnology, the study of trace fossils, such as tracks, burrows, bite marks, holes. He describes how snails drill into their prey, pine beetles munch trees, otters use rocks as tools to bust clam shells, and stingrays emit high pressure jets of water to expose quarry hiding in sediment. Martin’s writing is witty, rich in facts (the teeth of beavers are enhanced with iron), and spiced with eclectic references, such as the films Jurassic Park, Alien, and Jaws, authors ranging from Aeschylus to H.P. Lovecraft, and TV shows House Hunters and Breaking Bad. Mingling geology, biology, and paleontology, Martin has fashioned a unique and engaging portrait of the earth's many movers and shakers." * Booklist *“With an equal dose of wit and scholarship, Martin turns what is literally a boring topic—how animals and other species drill and chew through rock, bone, and wood—into an epic tale of evolution. Fun and readable, yet academically rigorous, Martin is one of the finest popularizers of paleontology today, and one of my favorite science writers.” -- Steve Brusatte, professor and paleontologist at the University of Edinburgh, New York Times–bestselling author of "The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs"“A truly original cracker of a book. Martin is one of the world’s top experts in trace fossils, and his life-long experience in doing primary research in this field shows clearly. The scientific information is first-class and highly informative. But his prose is also beautiful and refreshingly expressive. Martin has a real mastery of words that is rare. Enthralling.” -- John A. Long, author of "The Dawn of the Deed"“Anthony J. Martin is the Mary Roach of paleontology.” -- Mary Roach, @mary_roachTable of ContentsPreface Chapter 1: A Boring History of Life Chapter 2: Small but Diminishing Chapter 3: Rock, Thy Name Is Mud Chapter 4: Your Beach Is Made of Parrotfish Poop Chapter 5: Jewelry-Amenable Holes of Death Chapter 6: Super Colossal Shell-Crushing Fury! Chapter 7: Woodworking at Home Chapter 8: Driftwood and Woodgrounds Chapter 9: Bone Eaters of the Deep Chapter 10: More Bones to Pick Chapter 11: The Biggest and Most Boring of Animals Acknowledgments Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisWith stunning photographs from the ice edge, a firsthand account of a researcher's time in Antarctica and of the perilous journeys of the world's largest penguin species: the iconic emperor. Nearly all emperor penguin colonies are extremely remote; of the sixty-six known, fewer than thirty have been visited by humans, and even fewer have been the subject of successful research programs. One of the largest known emperor penguin colonies is found on a narrow band of sea ice attached to the Antarctic continent. In Journeys with Emperors, Gerald L. Kooyman and Jim Mastro take us to this far-flung colony in the Ross Sea, showing us how scientists gained access to it, and what they learned while living among the penguins as they raised their chicks. The primary mission was to record the birds' activities at sea, and the data revealed important aspects of emperor penguin behavior and physiology: for instance, that in the course of hunting for food, some of the penguins dive to depths ofTrade Review"Informative sidebars, graphs, and charts explain technical terms in clear language. An annotated bibliography and gorgeous photos round out this treat of a book, which describes what it was like to live among emperor penguins and the challenges and rewards of research in the Antarctic. This book will have armchair travelers, penguin lovers, Antarctic enthusiasts, and science readers rejoicing." * Booklist *"The 2005 Luc Jacquet documentary March of the Penguins won an Oscar for its depiction of emperor penguins' fifty-kilometer trek over sea ice to their breeding grounds. While such a trek may be common for emperors breeding in colonies around the Antarctic perimeter, it is not the case for the largest colonies in the Ross Sea. To understand emperor penguins here, we must follow them on four critical journeys, each with its own challenges and hazards. In this compelling and accessible book, comparative biologist Kooyman and writer and fellow Antarctic explorer Mastro offer a detailed explanation of all four journeys. A book that will take you [into] the field with scientists to discover those charismatic and fascinating birds." * PolarJournal (Switzerland), "Our polar book ideas for Christmas" *“[Kooyman] recounts his tale of one of the most iconic examples of charismatic megafauna in a way that captures both the magnitude of his science and the elegant descriptions and personal anecdotes that transport the reader to the ice (all through the lens of a changing climate). His acts of veritable heroism—raging-river crossings, risky glacial traverses, frequent excursions on figurative and literal thin ice—were simply routine components of his daily scientific procedures.” -- Jessica Ulrika Meir, PhD, comparative physiologist and NASA astronaut, from the foreword“Journeys with Emperors follows a decades-long quest to study the largest, deepest diving, most colorful, and most isolated of the penguins. Readers are literally a part of the research expedition. It is the trials and tribulations, successes and failures of Kooyman and his research team that are at the core of this book. An iconic Antarctic bird makes it all the more engaging, and you walk away with an appreciation of how unique these birds are, as are the people who study them. Everyone will be the better for having read this book, and perhaps, emperor penguins will benefit from such an informed population; I can think of no higher praise.” -- Terrie M. Williams, author of "The Odyssey of KP2: An Orphan Seal and a Marine Biologist’s Fight to Save a Species"“This remarkable book is the most authoritative and readable account of the biology of emperor penguins ever written. Of equal significance is that through example, Kooyman provides insight into the importance of patiently observing and documenting aspects of the natural history of this extraordinary bird, over a period of decades. Collectively, those observations facilitated a stream of original ideas, and the technology needed to test them. As such, Journeys with Emperors models how to successfully conduct long-term research on a wild species in a truly challenging environment.” -- Ian Stirling, FRSC, research scientist emeritus, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and adjunct professor, University of Alberta, CanadaTable of ContentsForeword Preface Chapter 1 A Meeting with Emperor Penguins Chapter 2 The Kings of Saint Andrews Bay Chapter 3 The Seven Colonies of the Ross Sea Chapter 4 The Emperors of Cape Washington Chapter 5 Kings and Emperors in One Year Chapter 6 The Commuter Journey Chapter 7 The Fledging Journey Chapter 8 The Pre-molt Journey Chapter 9 The Post-molt Journey Chapter 10 How Do They Do It? Chapter 11 Predator as Prey Chapter 12 Climate, Conservation, and Consumption Acknowledgments Annotated Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisA 400-year history of the development of alchemy in England that brings to light the evolution of the practice. In medieval and early modern Europe, the practice of alchemy promised extraordinary physical transformations. Who would not be amazed to see base metals turned into silver and gold, hard iron into soft water, and deadly poison into elixirs that could heal the human body? To defend such claims, alchemists turned to the past, scouring ancient books for evidence of a lost alchemical heritage and seeking to translate their secret language and obscure imagery into replicable, practical effects. Tracing the development of alchemy in England over four hundred years, from the beginning of the fourteenth century to the end of the seventeenth, Jennifer M. Rampling illuminates the role of alchemical reading and experimental practice in the broader context of national and scientific history. Using new manuscript sources, she shows how practitioners like George Ripley, John Dee, andTrade Review"The Experimental Fire reads like an insider's history of English alchemy, exposing its inner workings and demystifying its encrypted canon with adeptness and hard-earned authority. Jennifer M. Rampling meets the frustrating material of alchemical history with all the scholarly agility and suspicion requisite to the task. This book steers straight into the hazards of alchemical literature, with its bricolage texts full of borrowed works uncited or cited badly, recorded in manuscripts annotated by many anonymous hands. Rampling is the first to handle these hazardous materials so comprehensively and confidently. She reports on her many archival discoveries and assembles them into a coherent narrative of influence and innovation in English alchemy over four centuries. Her forerunner in this strange country was Dorothea Waley Singer, whose preliminary census of alchemical manuscripts in British libraries laid the groundwork for English alchemical history and has awaited a proper follow-up since 1931. With Experimental Fire, Rampling delivers one." * Los Angeles Review of Books *"This is a densely argued academic work which builds its case for a particular view of English alchemy example by example, with a crop of detailed footnotes sprouting from the base of every page. . . . [As] an introduction to the evolution of English alchemy, it is impeccable." * Fortean Times *"An engaging piece of scholarly work that should satisfy the expert and the layman alike. It makes a subject like alchemy, that appears highly abstruse, palatable to readers who may balk at the complexity and remoteness of alchemical language. More than anything, perhaps, it humanises the alchemist, showing him or her to be a historical personage caught up in the circumstances of the era and seeking to survive the upheavals and challenges of historical reality. As such, Rampling's book is not just an essential read for the new historiography of alchemy, but it is bound to make an important contribution to the history of science, social history, history of scholarship, and the history of the book." * Early Science and Medicine *"Jennifer M. Rampling’s first book takes on the incredible feat of identifying and tracing a specific strand of sericonian alchemical knowledge across a 400-year period. . . . In this book, Rampling expertly unpacks the function of English alchemical authority and patronage within a pan-European network of practitioners. She has pieced together a compelling narrative of national identity and alchemical change over time. . . . this will be a necessary addition to the bookshelves of any scholar of alchemy, patronage, the book, and English intellectual history." * Isis *"Rich and vast. . . . The Experimental Fire challenges us to grapple with a more expansive idea of history, one that includes the lineage, development, and comprehension of false knowledge. Just because something isn’t true doesn’t mean it’s not real, that it can’t be studied, argued over, or taught. Indeed, alchemy, Rampling argues, is nothing but the invention and reinvention of one type of knowledge. And what is literature, or history, or science, if not a variation of the same?" * Chicago Review of Books *"A new and fascinating angle on how alchemy began to transform science into a modern enterprise. . . . Beautifully and clearly written." * Forbidden Histories *“In The Experimental Fire: Inventing English Alchemy, 1300-1700, Jennifer M. Rampling presents the largely uncharted history of English alchemy from its medieval roots until the end of the seventeenth century with an astounding eye for detail.” * Annals of Science *"Rampling's extensive survey of English alchemy is a masterclass in history of science research and serves as a model for anyone who wishes to undertake such a project. Although it meets the highest standards of academic research, she writes with a light touch and an accomplished literary style making a complex and technical topic accessible to the not necessarily specialist reader. . . . Anybody with some basic knowledge of the history of alchemy, and an interest in developing that knowledge, could and should read her book. For those with a serious interest in the topic The Experimental Fire is an obligatory read and must already be considered a standard work in the genre." * Renaissance Mathematicus *"Rampling's book is a rich source for a reader interested in English alchemy in the late medieval and early modern period. Rampling deserves praise for bringing to light a large amount of as yet unpublished manuscripts, which are analysed in detail as well as placed in their historical, social, and religious contexts. The picture that emerges from this book is one of a complex network, in which practitioners, patrons, physicians, collectors, and forgers interacted and influenced each other and the art of alchemy." * Journal of Early Modern Studies *"Captivating. . . . Whether your interest is in early modern European history, the history of science, or old occult practices, this is a book well worth giving consideration as your next reading selection." * Well-read Naturalist *"As Rampling analyzes how the English alchemical practitioners filled gaps in information found in their books and resolved discrepancies between texts and experience, she identifies networks of readers and traces a subtle evolution in how works on alchemy were read. She notes parallels in these reading practices with developments in other forms of knowledge, such as Reformation-era theology. This book is well organized, offers readable and engaging prose, and has been carefully edited. The bibliography and index are comprehensive. . . . Highly recommended." * Choice *"This book has so many novel elements that it is difficult to know where to begin. Rampling presents one amazing archival discovery after another like a magician pulling rabbits from a hat. Forging vivid and compelling narratives with her materials, while remaining keenly aware of the living history behind the documents, she has been able to sketch the outlines of what has previously been entirely unknown to the history of alchemy. This is a fully achieved piece of research that is destined to become the key work in the field." -- Stephen Clucas, Birkbeck, University of London"Rampling offers a masterful survey of alchemy in England, from its status as the largest scientific genre circa 1400 through the patronage of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Building on the legacy of George Ripley, English alchemists developed expert skills in textual interpretation and experimental practice—focused on both medicine and transmutation—in order to portray themselves as philosophers rather than artisans. Rampling writes with admirable lucidity about cryptic manuscripts, colorful figures, and complicated archival evidence." -- Ann M. Blair, Carl H. Pforzheimer University Professor, Harvard University"This is an extraordinary and important piece of scholarship. Rampling carries the reader from the first origins of alchemy in Medieval England, through the Reformation, and down to the end of the seventeenth century—a remarkable temporal sweep. There has not previously been a study of the alchemical tradition that so thoroughly follows a coherently framed national context for so long a period. Rampling presents the material in a remarkably clear and concise fashion that does justice to its complexity yet still guides the reader." -- Lawrence M. Principe, author of The Transmutations of Chymistry: Wilhelm Homberg and the Académie Royale des Sciences"In The Experimental Fire: Inventing English Alchemy, 1300–1700, Jennifer Rampling traces this sericonian branch of alchemy through its highs and lows from the medieval to the early modern periods, emphasizing that alchemy was not a homogenous or static discipline but rather one that underwent a series of subtle yet important changes." * Journal of British Studies *Table of ContentsList of Figures List of Abbreviations ConventionsAcknowledgments Introduction: What Is Mercury?Part I: The Medieval Origins of English Alchemy 1. Philosophers and Kings 2. Medicine and Transmutation 3. Opinion and ExperiencePart II: The Golden Age of English Alchemy 4. Dissolution and Reformation 5. Nature and Magic 6. Time and MoneyPart III: The Legacy of Medieval Alchemy in Early Modern England 7. Recovery and Revision 8. Home and Abroad 9. Antiquity and Experiment Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisPART OF THE ALL-NEW LADYBIRD EXPERT SERIES- What is pain and can we measure it?- What is chronic pain and can we treat it?- Can we make pain pleasant?UNDERSTAND the causes and the reasons for pain. This complex, subjective but vital perception is experienced by the entire animal kingdom. We may not enjoy feeling it, but living without pain would be dangerous - it is our body''s way of telling us when something isn''t right.YOUR BODY''S BUILT IN ALARM SYSTEMWritten by Professor of Anaesthetic Neuroscience at the University of Oxford, Irene Tracey, PAIN is an accessible and fascinating illustrated introduction to one of our body''s most important sensory and emotional experiences.

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Book Synopsis''Compelling'' Christopher Hart, The Sunday Times''A fascinating book'' Daily Mail_______________________________________________________________We think of transplant surgery as one of the medical wonders of the modern world -- but it''s a lot older than you think. As ancient as the pyramids, its history is even more surprising. In Spare Parts, cultural historian Paul Craddock takes us on a fascinating journey and unearths incredible untold stories, from Indian surgeons regrafting lost noses in the sixth century BC, to the seventeenth century architect who helped pioneer blood transfusions, to the French seamstress whose needlework paved the way for kidney transplants in the early 1900s.Expertly weaving together philosophy, science and cultural history, Spare Parts explores how transplant surgery has constantly tested the boundaries between human, animal and machine. It shows us that the history -- and future -- of transplant surgery is tied up with questions not only about who we are, but also what we are, and what we might become._______________________________________________________________''By turns delightful and disturbing . . . A thoroughly engrossing read that I couldn''t put down'' LINDSEY FITZHARRIS, author of The Facemaker and The Butchering Art''Spare Parts is a fascinating read filled with adventure, delight and surprise'' RAHUL JANDIAL, surgeon and author of Life on a Knife''s Edge''This is a joyful romp through a fascinating slice of medical history'' WENDY MOORE, author of The Knife ManTrade ReviewA fascinating book * Daily Mail *Compelling -- Christopher Hart * The Sunday Times *The charm of Spare Parts comes from situating these landmarks in a wider history of ideas * Spectator *A thrilling and often terrifying ride through transplantation and the theories and techniques that made it possible . . . tantalizing -- Robert Sullivan * The New York Times *Anyone interested in the history of surgery will find much to amaze and startle in Paul Craddock's Spare Parts: A Surprising History of Transplants * Independent *Excellent . . . Much has been written about this subject, but with Spare Parts Paul Craddock has achieved something unique: a serious, entertaining and thoroughly researched work that usefully sets the history of transplantation in the context of the evolution of ideas about the human body -- Thomas Morris * TLS *Craddock combines meticulous scholarship with wry wit in lucid prose which is all the more powerful for being understated . . . Spare Parts is a triumph * Roger Kneebone, author of 'Expert' *I read Spare Parts with my mouth open, my eyes popping and my brain fizzing. It's a fascinating exploration of just how far humans will go to stay on the right side of death. I can't think of any other book whose pages will make you laugh, gasp, grimace and wince. Spare Parts is a triumph of medical story-telling * Michael Brooks, author of 'The Quantum Astrologer's Handbook' and 'Science(ish)' *This is a fascinating and sure-footed exploration of the medical, historical and mythological landscape in which humans use parts from each other to make themselves whole. With compassion and insight, Paul Craddock elucidates vital questions about what it means to be human and to realise our dreams of survival * Dr Emily Mayhew, author of 'Wounded' and 'The Four Horsemen' *This is a captivating and absorbing read that surprises on every page whether it be from prosthetic noses of the 16th Century to modern day bio-printing and stem cell technology * Professor Dame Sue Black, author of 'All That Remains' *Paul Craddock's book is a veritable tour de force, a tantalising journey through human efforts in understanding science, medicine, personal beliefs and ourselves over the past centuries . . .Packed with stories which bring to life the personalities, the heroes and villains, and, with benefit of hindsight, the sometime frankly incredulous ideas, we get a unique and inspiring tapestry of events . . . A thoroughly good read * Barry Fuller, Professor of Surgical Sciences at UCL Medical School *This compelling and impeccably researched history of transplant surgery puts you right at the heart of the gruesome action. An enthralling read * Richard Hollingham, author of 'Blood and Guts' *A riveting journey through the story of anatomical alchemy, Spare Parts is a fascinating read filled with adventure, delight and surprise * Rahul Jandial, surgeon and author of 'Life on a Knife’s Edge' *Spare Parts is such a pleasure to read, filled with so many fascinating characters and stories that seem almost too crazy to be real; I found myself chuckling, shaking my head and yet proud to be a part of this field. This is a must read for anyone that has ever been touched by transplantation or the gift of donation, a book that makes us proud of our macabre past and excited about what can only be a limitless future * Josh D Mezrich, author of 'How Death Becomes Life' *Stuffed with eccentric characters and questionable experiments, this is a joyful romp through a fascinating slice of medical history * Wendy Moore, author of 'The Knife Man' *A perfect blend of history, science and humanity on a thrilling journey around old and new parts of the human body * Matt Morgan, author of 'Critical' *Spare Parts uncovers the gripping birth of sharing body parts, and significantly, tells us all of our current 'good ideas and innovations' have been thought of and tested already - we are simply adding to the mix. This visceral book offers us an unparalleled historical treatise, as the world of complex transplantation continues to unravel and change * Daniel Saleh, award-winning consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon *With curious and clinical precision ... Craddock raises questions about how we relate to one another, what stories we choose to privilege and who gets to tell them * Irish Times *By turns delightful and disturbing, even the most seasoned of medical history buffs will be astonished by Spare Parts. A thoroughly engrossing read that I couldn't put down. Hit that order button -- you won't regret it * Lindsey Fitzharris, author of The Butchering Art *An accessible and wide-ranging account . . . Amid the toe-curling descriptions of vivisected dogs and doomed trial runs at human-to-human tooth transplants are hopeful and inspiring accounts of how farmers and embroiderers shared their knowledge with medical practitioners . . . Thoroughly researched and appealingly digressive, this fascinating medical and cultural history sheds light on what it means to be human * Publishers Weekly *

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Book Synopsis''Bold, inspired and hopeful'' Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO of Thrive Global''Lucid and captivating'' Max Tegmark, professor of physics at MIT and author of Life 3.0A captivating memoir that chronicles one woman''s mission to humanise technology and what she learns about humanity along the way.Now more than ever, we find ourselves unable to express our true feelings through technology. Whether it''s a misunderstood text, an oversimplified emoji or a Skype call that leaves us feeling lonely, when most of our communication is carried out through tech, the result is a virtual world that''s lacking our humanity - a society lacking in empathy.Rana el Kaliouby discovered this when she left Cairo, a newly-married, Muslim woman, to take up her place at Cambridge University to study computer science. Many thousands of miles from home, she began to develop systems to help her better connect with her family. She sTrade ReviewLucid and captivating * Max Tegmark, professor of physics at MIT and author of Life 3.0 *An honest and inspiring story that will encourage other women to share their experiences and own their power * Tory Burch, founder and executive chairman of Tory Burch LLC *Bold, inspired and hopeful * Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO of Thrive Global *

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Book SynopsisLearn how to observe and navigate the night sky with this guide to stargazing for beginners!The dazzling reference book shines bright with crystal-clear charts of the planets, stars, and constellations in both the northern and southern hemispheres for each month of the year! It''s perfect for anyone interested in stargazing and astronomy.This unique astronomy book explains and demystifies the changing night sky. It includes:- Illustrated overviews that introduce each month with a guide to the main attractions, such as bright stars, prominent constellations, and meteor showers- An introduction explains what the universe is, our place within it, how it appears to us in the night sky, and how our view of it changes with time and place- Each illustrated overview features a planet locator, showing the position of the planets during the month introduced- Charts that show the positions of all stars visible to the naked eye in even the darke

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Book Synopsis''The one meditation tactic that will get you through the toughest times'' Oprah DailyOvercome negative thoughts and develop a positive mindset this January with these meditation practices proven by neuroscientific research.In this modern digital age, many of us feel overwhelmed, panicked and short on time. The practice of meditation is an ancient and scientifically proven antidote to that frenzied feeling. Combining scientific expertise and spiritual wisdom, this is a practical guide on how it can help you feel calm and in control.With chapters on Breathing, Compassion and Worry, it is full of empirically proven and easy-to-follow exercises that will help you tackle mental obstacles, including issues such as self-doubt and negative thought patterns. This is a fresh perspective on meditation that will uplift and soothe your mind, whether you''re new to it or not.FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, DANIEL GOLEMAN ''The perfect guide for finding true inner peace'' Ruby WaxTrade ReviewThis beautiful and inspiring book, arising from the brilliance of two great minds, contains profound yet practical advice on meditation and its power to nourish the world * Gelong Thubten, author of A Monk’s Guide to Happiness *The one meditation tactic that will get you through the toughest times * Oprah Daily *The perfect guide for finding true inner peace * Ruby Wax, author of A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled *Practical, doable techniques for making two game-changing inner moves: getting out of your head, as well as taming your demons [...] all backed up by rigorous science * Dan Harris, author of 10% Happier *Highly recommend * Dan Harris, bestselling author of 10% Happier *An exciting new book that combines recent research into meditation with fresh, accessible, and profound teachings on the actual practice * Pema Chödrön, author of When Things Fall Apart *A rare blend of genuine, far-reaching meditative wisdom and the cutting-edge neuroscience that both explains and supports it. This book is an extraordinary collaboration and a great jewel that will benefit all who read it * Joseph Goldstein, author of Seeking the Heart of Wisdom *PRAISE FOR TSOKNYI RINPOCHE - He is a powerful and eloquent link between the great yogi practitioners of old Tibet and our bewildering twenty-first century. He's completely comfortable in both. And he makes us comfortable, too. * Richard Gere *Goleman offers hope for us all * The Times *[Why We Meditate] shows how we can regain our innate rhythm * Sainsbury's Magazine *Each chapter is a kind of antidote for the scepticism...read this book * New Scientist *

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Book SynopsisExplore the past, present and future of the everyday stuff in your home, from tinned food to tampons. Learn how 30,000 bath toys and the work of amateur beachcombers have helped scientists study ocean currents. Explore how the search for a death ray led to the creation of the microwave oven and ready meals. Discover the surprising link between sticky tape and the Nobel Prize.Uncover the extraordinary stories of ordinary objects in this perfect gift for curious minds. From the creators of the A Brief History of Stuff podcast and inspired by the incredible artefacts in the Science Museum Group Collection, this collection of entertaining essays reveals the fascinating history behind some of the most mundane items in our homes.

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Book SynopsisDavid Sang is the author of over 140 textbooks used in secondary schools around the world. He was a research physicist at Leeds University for nine years before turning to teaching. He has taught Physics in a high school, a sixth-form college and a university. The Science Museum is part of the Science Museum Group, the world's leading group of science museums that share a world-class collection providing an enduring record of scientific, technological and medical achievements from across the globe.

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Book SynopsisEva Amsen is a writer and science communicator, focused on the culture of science and the common ground between science and the arts. Her writing has been published widely, including in Nature, Nautilus, The Scientist, Undark, PNAS, Spacing Magazine, Hakai, Forbes.com, BOLD blog and in the books The Open Laboratory (2009) and The Best Science Writing Online (2012). In 2020, Eva won the ABSW Award for Opinion Piece or Editorial of the Year.The Science Museum is part of the Science Museum Group, the world's leading group of science museums that share a world-class collection providing an enduring record of scientific, technological and medical achievements from across the globe.

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Book Synopsis''There is no author whose books I look forward to more'' Bill GatesThe New York Times bestselling author returns with a mind-opening exploration of how size defines life on Earth.Explaining the key processes shaping size in nature, society and technology, Smil busts myths around proportions - from bodies to paintings and the so-called golden ratio - tells us what Jonathan Swift got wrong in Gulliver''s Travels - the giant Brobdingnagian''s legs would buckle under their enormous weight - and dives headfirst into the most contentious issue in ergonomics: the size of aeroplane seats.It is no exaggeration to say this fascinating and wide-ranging tour de force will change the way you look at absolutely everything.Vaclav Smil is a phenomenon with an appetite for facts over prejudice and fashion. Essential reading for anyone who cares about the future' Lord Norman FosterTrade ReviewVaclav Smil is a phenomenon with an appetite for facts over prejudice and fashion. Essential reading for anyone who cares about the future -- eminent architect, Lord Norman FosterAn endlessly entertaining career through fascinating territory -- Simon Ings * Daily Telegraph *Both informative and entertaining . . . I suspect that many Physics World readers would be delighted to find this book waiting for them under the Christmas tree. Indeed, it would be perfect reading material for anyone who enjoys a mathematical analysis of the world around them * Physics World *In a world of specialized intellectuals, Smil is an ambitious and astonishing polymath who swings for fences . . . They're among the most data-heavy books you'll find, with a remarkable way of framing basic facts * Wired *There is perhaps no other academic who paints pictures with numbers like Smil * Guardian *

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisA broad overview of the science of evolution, and why understanding it matters in our everyday lives.Explaining Life through Evolution tells the origin story of life on this planet and how we arrived at the tremendous diversity among organisms that we see around us today. Prosanta Chakrabarty explains evolution in a concise, accessible, and engaging way, emphasizing the importance of understanding evolution in everyday contemporary life. Weaving his own lived experience among discussions of Darwin and the origins of evolutionary thought, Chakrabarty also covers key concepts to our understanding of our current condition, including mutation; the spectrum of race, sex, gender, and sexuality; the limitations of ancestry tests; and the evolution of viruses like SARS-CoV-2, the virus at the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic.Offering a contemporary update to classic popular evolution books by Stephen Jay Gould, Jerry Coyne, and others, Explaining Li

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