Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Oxford University Press (Second Edition)
Pages
891
Description
Written by 60 distinguished contributors, this expanded edition features over 1100 biographies of historically eminent scientists from around the world. Lists each scientist's achievements and assesses how he or she contributed to the field. Also includes an appendix listing more than 700 other notable scientists and a subject index that refers readers to the specialists in specific fields.
Description
From the story behind Einstein's revolutionary theory of relativity to Oppenheimer's opposition to U.S. construction of the hydrogen bomb, from the prejudice against women that barred Lise Meitner from working in a major laboratory to the false nose worn by Tycho Brahe after his own was cut off in a duel, the lives of the world's great scientists form a fascinating backdrop to their stunning achievements. Now in its second edition, The Biographical Dictionary of Scientists offers in one convenient volume over 1,200 comprehensive and accessible introductions to the visionary men and women of astronomy, chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, engineering and technology, and geology. In addition to recounting basic biographical information, each entry details the significance of each scientist's landmark contributions while providing intriguing insights into the complicated process--including meditation, observation, experimentation, exploration, debate, and synthesis--that culminated in the theories and discoveries that often define our understanding of the world around us. Throughout, the dictionary stresses how each scientist operated in a unique historical and scientific context, and how their lives and work were affected by their relationships with other scientists as well as by personal, social, political, religious, and artistic concerns. Over 150 illustrations, seven chronological reviews of significant developments in major scientific fields, an extensive glossary with more than 2,000 definitions, complete lists of Nobel prizewinners in science and medicine, and a comprehensive index round out the dictionary. The new edition combines in one convenient volume the material originally published in six separate books, eliminating the need to know exactly which field a particular scientists may have practiced in before looking up their entry. Nearly 100 new entries have been added, expanding the dictionary's multicultural coverage, with an emphasis on the contributions of women The entries on scientists active since the publication of the first edition have been updated, and the unified glossary has been expanded with many new terms. Unrivaled in scope and authority, The Biographical Dictionary of Scientists, Second Edition is a wonderfully engaging reference that introduces all readers--students and scientists alike--to the personalities behind the discoveries that have forever altered our scientific landscape.
Collection
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
891 p.; 10 inches
ISBN
0195210832 / 9780195210835
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LibraryThing member waltzmn
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That might be the motto of this collection of biographies. This is a biographical dictionary of scientists, but casual readers beware: It's about the science itself far more than it is about the people. Scientists, after all, are quirky, and many of them had lively lives
And -- guess what -- that can be good. The biographies here are almost like a bibliography of work done, which is what really matters about scientists. Oh, the personal stuff would be fun, too -- but the book is already huge. There wouldn't be room for that in a reasonable space.
It does mean that, if you really want to find out about any particular scientist -- even a very important one -- you'll need a different sort of reference. But that's all right. Within its limits, this is an excellent book, thorough, readable, and well-researched.
That might be the motto of this collection of biographies. This is a biographical dictionary of scientists, but casual readers beware: It's about the science itself far more than it is about the people. Scientists, after all, are quirky, and many of them had lively lives
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outside of the lab. You won't see much of that here -- this isn't the place to learn (e.g.) that Marie Curie was a strongly depressive autistic who, as a widow, had an affair with a scientist five years her junior. Or about Albert Einstein's illegitimate son. Or Isaac Newton's rages.And -- guess what -- that can be good. The biographies here are almost like a bibliography of work done, which is what really matters about scientists. Oh, the personal stuff would be fun, too -- but the book is already huge. There wouldn't be room for that in a reasonable space.
It does mean that, if you really want to find out about any particular scientist -- even a very important one -- you'll need a different sort of reference. But that's all right. Within its limits, this is an excellent book, thorough, readable, and well-researched.
Show Less
Subjects
Call number
SCI A.190