Publisher's Synopsis
Science is a uniquely human endeavor, and the history of science is the history of great minds building upon the ideas of their predecessors. In 1676, Isaac Newton wrote to Robert Hooke, 'If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.' ""The History of Science"" five-volume set presents substantial biographical information on those 'giants' of science along with a concise historical narrative detailing the processes of exploration and experimentation that have driven the development of science from ancient times to the present. Organized chronologically, each volume in the set personalizes the story of scientific discovery during a particular age or era and offers an enlightening look at the debt that each generation owes those who came before. The volumes also cover many topics of special interest, such as the role of women in science and the development of scientific methodology, while emphasizing the human aspect of the process of discovery, from the ways scientists work to the strengths of their methods to the ethics of good science. By showcasing the evolution of science, from the philosophies of ancient Greece to today's high-tech science, ""The History of Science"" set conveys the importance and excitement of science and places scientists and their work in the broader context of history. ""The History of Science"" expands, updates, and refocuses the scope of a popular set, ""On the Shoulders of Giants"", giving students a fresh historical perspective on scientific discovery. Paying much attention to the social and cultural aspects of science, this new set will spark the interest of students and general readers and expand their understanding of how science has come to be the important force it is today. Each volume includes: an introduction providing a broad overview of the period covered; many black-and-white photographs and illustrations; sidebars that explore fascinating topics such as how the pseudosciences of each period differ from science; a bibliography listing useful websites, CD-ROMs, multimedia resources, as well as books, magazines, and places to visit; and, an appendix and an index.
