Soaring Gothic cathedrals, violent crusades, the Black Death: these are the dramatic forces that shaped the medieval era. But the so-called Dark Ages also gave us the first universities, eyeglasses, and mechanical clocks. As medieval thinkers sought to understand the world around them, from the passing of the seasons to the stars in the sky, they came to develop a vibrant scientific culture. In The Light Ages, Cambridge science historian Seb Falk takes us on a tour of medieval science through the eyes of one fourteenth-century monk, John of Westwyk. Born in a rural manor, educated in England's grandest monastery, and then exiled to a clifftop priory, Westwyk was an intrepid crusader, inventor, and astrologer. From multiplying Roman numerals to navigating by the stars, curing disease, and telling time with an ancient astrolabe, we learn emerging science alongside Westwyk and travel with him through the length and breadth of England and beyond its shores. On our way, we encounter a remarkable cast of characters: the clock-building English abbot with leprosy, the French craftsman-turned-spy, and the Persian polymath who founded the world's most advanced observatory. The Light Ages offers a gripping story of the struggles and successes of an ordinary man in a precarious world and conjures a vivid picture of medieval life as we have never seen it before. An enlightening history that argues that these times weren't so dark after all, The Light Ages shows how medieval ideas continue to color how we see the world today.

Data Fitting in the Chemical Sciences Peter Gans, School of Chemistry, The University of Leeds, Leeds, UK Data fitting is a technique of central importance in modern experimental science. It is the means by which data is tested against a model of the experimental system, be it a theoretical or empirical model. In this book an all-round approach is adopted in which the first stage of data-fitting is seen as data collection, the second is numerical processing and the third a critical evaluation of the 'goodness' of fit in both statistical and common sense terms. Each stage is considered in detail: the sources and nature of experimental errors; the theory of least-squares fitting; probability theory; hypothesis testing, and the application of scientific criteria. The theory is complemented by three chapters on a wide range of applications. The emphasis of this book is on methodology: why certain procedures are preferred rather than how any one procedure is implemented. The author aims to assist people in extracting from their data its full information content, i.e. to use their data, not abuse it.

This book is about the statistical principles behind the design of effective experiments and focuses on the practical needs of applied statisticians and experimenters engaged in design, implementation and analysis. Emphasising the logical principles of statistical design, rather than mathematical calculation, the authors demonstrate how all available information can be used to extract the clearest answers to many questions. The principles are illustrated with a wide range of examples drawn from real experiments in medicine, industry, agriculture and many experimental disciplines. Numerous exercises are given to help the reader practise techniques and to appreciate the difference that good design can make to an experimental research project. Based on Roger Mead's excellent Design of Experiments, this new edition is thoroughly revised and updated to include modern methods relevant to applications in industry, engineering and modern biology. It also contains seven new chapters on contemporary topics, including restricted randomisation and fractional replication.

The scientific method delivers prosperity, yet scientific practice has become subject to corrupting influences from within and without the scientific community. This essential reference is intended to help remedy those threats. The authors identify eight essential criteria for the practice of science and provide checklists to help avoid costly failures in scientific practice. Not only for scientists, this book is for all stakeholders of the broad enterprise of science. Science administrators, research funders, journal editors, and policymakers alike will find practical guidance on how they can encourage scientific research that produces useful discoveries. Journalists, commentators, and lawyers can turn to this text for help with assessing the validity and usefulness of scientific claims. The book provides practical guidance and makes important recommendations for reforms in science policy and science administration. The message of the book is complemented by Nobel Laureate Vernon L. Smith's foreword, and an afterword by Terence Kealey.

This manual covers the latest laboratory techniques, state-of-the-art instrumentation, laboratory safety, and quality assurance and quality control requirements. In addition to complete coverage of laboratory techniques, it also provides an introduction to the inorganic nonmetallic constituents in environmental samples, their chemistry, and their control by regulations and standards.
Environmental Sampling and Analysis Laboratory Manual is perfect for college and graduate students learning laboratory practices, as well as consultants and regulators who make evaluations and quality control decisions. Anyone performing laboratory procedures in an environmental lab will appreciate this unique and valuable text.

A popular book in its first edition, The Food Chemistry Laboratory: A Manual for Experimental Foods, Dietetics, and Food Scientists, Second Edition continues to provide students with practical knowledge of the fundamentals of designing, executing, and reporting the results of a research project. Presenting experiments that can be completed, in many cases, without requiring extensive student laboratory facilities, the authors include new exercises in the areas of physical properties, lipids, proteins, and gelatin. Also new in this edition are a brief introduction to each laboratory exercise and a listing of materials needed, approximate time needed for completion, and possible complications and/or pitfalls.

Tested and refined for over 20 years, and performed by thousands of students, experiments are presented within 12 planned laboratory sessions. This flexible format allows you to create your own laboratory sessions by choosing the number and order of sessions and experiments to be performed. In addition to the well-tested experiments, The Food Chemistry Laboratory, Second Edition provides students with information on accessing food chemistry literature, research proposal preparation, preparing oral and written technical reports, and an evaluation score sheet. Guidelines for preparing laboratory notebooks are also included and a handy appendix allows rapid access to directions for setting up a difference testing experiment.

Starting from first principles, this book introduces the closely related phenomena of Bose condensation and Cooper pairing, in which a very large number of single particles or pairs of particles are forced to behave in exactly the same way, and explores their consequences in condensed matter systems. Eschewing advanced formal methods, the author uses simple concepts and arguments to account for the various qualitatively new phenomena which occur in Bose-condensed and Cooper-paired systems, including but not limited to the spectacular macroscopic phenomena of superconductivity and superfluidity. The physical systems discussed include liquid 4-He, the BEC alkali gases, 'classical' superconductors, superfluid 3-He, 'exotic' superconductors and the recently stabilized Fermi alkali gases. The book should be accessible to beginning graduate students in physics or advanced undergraduates.

Designed to stimulate curiosity & insight, & to clearly connect lecture & laboratory concepts & techniques, this volume contains experiements that maximise a discovery-orientated approach & minimize personal hazards & ecological impact. Use of chromates, barium, lead, mercury & nickel salts has been avoided.

Responding to the developments of the past twenty years, Les Kirkup has thoroughly updated his popular book on experimental methods, while retaining the extensive coverage and practical advice from the first edition. Many topics from that edition remain, including keeping a record of work, how to deal with measurement uncertainties, understanding the statistical basis of data analysis and reporting the results of experiments. However, with new technologies influencing how experiments are devised, carried out, analyzed, presented and reported, this new edition reflects the digital changes which have taken place and the increased emphasis on the importance of communication skills in reporting results. Bringing together key elements of experimental methods into one coherent book, it is perfect for students seeking guidance with their experimental work, including how to acquire, analyse and present data. Exercises, worked examples and end-of-chapter problems are provided throughout the book to reinforce fundamental principles.

Succeed in biology with LABORATORY MANUAL FOR NON-MAJORS BIOLOGY! Through hands-on lab experience, this biology laboratory manual reinforces biology concepts to help you get a better grade. Exercises, pre-lab questions, and post-lab questions enhance your understanding and make lab assignments easy to complete and easy to comprehend.

The Oxford Handbook of the History of Physics brings together cutting-edge writing by more than twenty leading authorities on the history of physics from the seventeenth century to the present day. By presenting a wide diversity of studies in a single volume, it provides authoritative introductions to scholarly contributions that have tended to be dispersed in journals and books not easily accessible to the general reader. While the core thread remains the theories and experimental practices of physics, the Handbook contains chapters on other dimensions that have their place in any rounded history. These include the role of lecturing and textbooks in the communication of knowledge, the contribution of instrument-makers and instrument-making companies in providing for the needs of both research and lecture demonstrations, and the growing importance of the many interfaces between academic physics, industry, and the military.

The Fundamentals of Biomedical Science series has been written to reflect the challenges of practicing biomedical scientists today. It draws together essential basic science, with insights into laboratory practice, to show how an understanding of the biology of disease is linked to analytical approaches that lead to diagnosis. The series reviews the full range of disciplines to which a biomedical scientist may be exposed - from microbiology, to cytopathology, to transfusion science. The third edition of Biomedical Science Practice gives a comprehensive overview of key laboratory techniques and professional practial skills, with which students will need to be familiar to be successful in a professional biomedical enviroment.The text discusses a broad range of professional skills and concepts, such as health and safety considerations, personal development, and communication and confidentiality. The text also explores key experimental and analytical approaches which form the basis of the investigation and diagnosis of clinical conditions. Each chapter is supported with engaging clinical case studies, written to emphasize the link between theory and practice, and a set of end-of-chapter questions, which encourages students to test their knowledge and stretch their understanding. The third edition is available for students and institutions to purchase in a variety of formats and is supported by online resources. The e-book offers a mobile experience and convenient access along with functionality tools, navigation features and links that offer extra learning support: www.oxfordtextbooks.co.uk/ebooks Online student resources supporting the book include: Answers to case study and self-check questions Multiple choice questions An interactive Digital Microscope, encouraging the exploration of tissue samples Video podcasts including interviews with practicing biomedical scientists, and 'in the lab' footage showing biomedical science in practice Online lecturer resources supporting the book include: Figures from the book, available to download

Most lab manuals assume a high level of knowledge among biochemistry students, as well as a large amount of experience combining knowledge from separate scientific disciplines. Biochemistry in the Lab: A Manual for Undergraduates expects little more than basic chemistry. It explains procedures clearly, as well as giving a clear explanation of the theoretical reason for those steps. Key Features: Presents a comprehensive approach to modern biochemistry laboratory teaching, together with a complete experimental experience Includes chemical biology as its foundation, teaching readers experimental methods specific to the field Provides instructor experiments that are easy to prepare and execute, at comparatively low cost Supersedes existing, older texts with information that is adjusted to modern experimental biochemistry Is written by an expert in the field This textbook presents a foundational approach to modern biochemistry laboratory teaching together with a complete experimental experience, from protein purification and characterization to advanced analytical techniques. It has modules to help instructors present the techniques used in a time critical manner, as well as several modules to study protein chemistry, including gel techniques, enzymology, crystal growth, unfolding studies, and fluorescence. It proceeds from the simplest and most important techniques to the most difficult and specialized ones. It offers instructors experiments that are easy to prepare and execute, at comparatively low cost.

This revision brings the reader completely up to date on the evolving methods associated with increasingly more complex sample types analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography, or HPLC. The book also incorporates updated discussions of many of the fundamental components of HPLC systems and practical issues associated with the use of this analytical method. This edition includes new or expanded treatments of sample preparation, computer assisted method development, as well as biochemical samples, and chiral separations.

Scientific techniques developed in materials science offer invaluable information to archaeology, art history, and conservation. A rapidly growing number of innovative methods, as well as many established techniques, are constantly being improved and optimized for the analysis of cultural heritage materials. The result is that on the one hand more complex problems and questions can be confronted, but on the other hand the required level of technical competence is widening the existing cultural gap between scientists and end users, such as archaeologists, museum curators, art historians, and many managers of cultural heritage who have a purely humanistic background.
The book is intended as an entry-level introduction to the methods and rationales of scientific investigation of cultural heritage materials, with emphasis placed on the analytical strategies, modes of operation, and resulting information rather than on technicalities. The extensive and updated reference list should be a useful starting point for further reading. Students and researchers from the humanities approaching scientific investigations should find it useful, as well as scientists applying familiar techniques and methods to unfamiliar problems related to cultural heritage.

In Laser Physics the interaction of radiation and matter, and the principles of laser operation are treated at a level suitable for fourth-year undergraduate courses or introductory graduate courses in physics, chemistry or engineering. The factors which determine efficiency, wavelength coverage, output power, and beam quality of the different classes of laser are treated both in terms of fundamental theory and practical construction aspects. Details of established types of solid-state, semiconductor, and gas lasers are examined together with the techniques that enable their output to be converted widely across the spectrum. The latest advances in high power fibre lasers, femtosecond lasers, and X-ray lasers are explained. The text is liberally illustrated with more than 300 diagrams. An extensive bibliography is provided, together with numerical problems in each chapter. Solutions are available via the web.
To request a copy of the Solutions Manual, visit: http: //global.oup.com/uk/academic/physics/admin/solutions

Specifically intended for lab-based biomedical researchers, this practical guide shows how to design experiments that are reproducible, with low bias, high precision, and widely applicable results. With specific examples from research using both cell cultures and model organisms, it explores key ideas in experimental design, assesses common designs, and shows how to plan a successful experiment. It demonstrates how to control biological and technical factors that can introduce bias or add noise, and covers rarely discussed topics such as graphical data exploration, choosing outcome variables, data quality control checks, and data pre-processing. It also shows how to use R for analysis, and is designed for those with no prior experience. An accompanying website (https://stanlazic.github.io/EDLB.html) includes all R code, data sets, and the labstats R package. This is an ideal guide for anyone conducting lab-based biological research, from students to principle investigators working in either academia or industry.

A bestseller for nearly 25 years, Analysis of Messy Data, Volume 1: Designed Experiments helps applied statisticians and researchers analyze the kinds of data sets encountered in the real world. Written by two long-time researchers and professors, this second edition has been fully updated to reflect the many developments that have occurred since the original publication. New to the Second Edition Several modern suggestions for multiple comparison procedures Additional examples of split-plot designs and repeated measures designs The use of SAS-GLM to analyze an effects model The use of SAS-MIXED to analyze data in random effects experiments, mixed model experiments, and repeated measures experiments The book explores various techniques for multiple comparison procedures, random effects models, mixed models, split-plot experiments, and repeated measures designs. The authors implement the techniques using several statistical software packages and emphasize the distinction between design structure and the structure of treatments. They introduce each topic with examples, follow up with a theoretical discussion, and conclude with a case study. Bringing a classic work up to date, this edition will continue to show readers how to effectively analyze real-world, nonstandard data sets.

The discovery of nuclear magnetic resonance earned Felix Bloch and Ed Purcell the 1952 Nobel Prize in Physics. What their discovery took advantage of, is that protons are the world's smallest magnets. These tiny magnets can also be used to make a magnetometer, of the type described in this book. This book describes how to build a proton precession magnetometer, suitable for measurements of the Earth's magnetic field. This method of measuring magnetic fields offers the theoretically highest possible precision, limited only by the known value of the gyromagnetic ratio of the proton. Uses of the magnetometer include: making precise measurements of the Earth's magnetic field, calibrating low field magnetometers, teaching modern signal processing techniques, demonstrating nuclear magnetism and NMR to students, and measuring nuclear magnetic relaxation in liquids. The Earth's field proton precession magnetometer, called the Magnum, described in this book, was formerly a commercial product, developed and sold by Exstrom Laboratories LLC. It was designed by Stefan Hollos and Richard Hollos.

Handbook of Radioactivity Analysis: Radiation Physics and Detectors, Volume One, and Radioanalytical Applications, Volume Two, Fourth Edition, constitute an authoritative reference on the principles, practical techniques and procedures for the accurate measurement of radioactivity - everything from the very low levels encountered in the environment, to higher levels measured in radioisotope research, clinical laboratories, biological sciences, radionuclide standardization, nuclear medicine, nuclear power, and fuel cycle facilities, and in the implementation of nuclear forensic analysis and nuclear safeguards. It includes sample preparation techniques for all types of matrices found in the environment, including soil, water, air, plant matter and animal tissue, and surface swipes. Users will find the latest advances in the applications of radioactivity analysis across various fields, including environmental monitoring, radiochemical standardization, high-resolution beta imaging, automated radiochemical separation, nuclear forensics, and more.

This book introduces the fundamentals of biobanking and guides through the practical planning thereof, with a special focus on the situation in low- and middle-income countries. On the example of the setup of a Ukrainian biobank the book discusses the main steps and aspects of successful biorepository implementation and management. Topics covered include collection, storage and shipping of samples, establishment of an IT system, development of a sustainability plan, and project and risk management. Furthermore, the importance of the formation of international biobanking societies such as the Ukraine Association of Biobanks is highlighted, and their main objectives and tasks are discussed.The book addresses life science and business professionals as well as national authorities who are interested in biobanking in general and in setting up a biobank in particular.

Radioisotopes are invaluable tools for research in the biosciences. They provide unrivalled sensitivity for the detection and identification of biological molecules, facilitating for example drug discovery and human genetics.The book helps the research scientist to understand what is involved in the use of radioactive compounds and provides protocols for their use. Advice on legislation, guidance on safe handling and detailed recipes are provided.

For students, DIY hobbyists, and science buffs, who can no longer get real chemistry sets, this one-of-a-kind guide explains how to set up and use a home chemistry lab, with step-by-step instructions for conducting experiments in basic chemistry - not just to make pretty colors and stinky smells, but to learn how to do real lab work: purify alcohol by distillation; produce hydrogen and oxygen gas by electrolysis; smelt metallic copper from copper ore you make yourself; analyze the makeup of seawater, bone, and other common substances; synthesize oil of wintergreen from aspirin and rayon fiber from paper; perform forensics tests for fingerprints, blood, drugs, and poisons; and much more.From the 1930s through the 1970s, chemistry sets were among the most popular Christmas gifts, selling in the millions. But two decades ago, real chemistry sets began to disappear as manufacturers and retailers became concerned about liability. "The Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments" steps up to the plate with lessons on how to equip your home chemistry lab, master laboratory skills, and work safely in your lab.The bulk of this book consists of 17 hands-on chapters that include multiple laboratory sessions on the following topics: Separating Mixtures; Solubility and Solutions; Colligative Properties of Solutions; Introduction to Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry; Reduction-Oxidation (Redox) Reactions; Acid-Base Chemistry; Chemical Kinetics; Chemical Equilibrium and Le Chatelier's Principle; Gas Chemistry; Thermochemistry and Calorimetry; Electrochemistry; Photochemistry; Colloids and Suspensions; Qualitative Analysis; Quantitative Analysis; Synthesis of Useful Compounds; and Forensic Chemistry. With plenty of full-color illustrations and photos, Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments offers introductory level sessions suitable for a middle school or first-year high school chemistry laboratory course, and more advanced sessions suitable for students who intend to take the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry exam. A student who completes all of the laboratories in this book will have done the equivalent of two full years of high school chemistry lab work or a first-year college general chemistry laboratory course. This hands-on introduction to real chemistry - using real equipment, real chemicals, and real quantitative experiments - is ideal for the many thousands of young people and adults who want to experience the magic of chemistry.

The fundamental principles of the scientific method are essential for enhancing perspective, increasing productivity, and stimulating innovation. These principles include deductive and inductive logic, probability, parsimony and hypothesis testing, as well as science's presuppositions, limitations, ethics and bold claims of rationality and truth. The examples and case studies drawn upon in this book span the physical, biological and social sciences; include applications in agriculture, engineering and medicine; and also explore science's interrelationships with disciplines in the humanities such as philosophy and law. Informed by position papers on science from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, National Academy of Sciences and National Science Foundation, this book aligns with a distinctively mainstream vision of science. It is an ideal resource for anyone undertaking a systematic study of scientific method for the first time, from undergraduates to professionals in both the sciences and the humanities.

The first part of this book describes the development of the trade in scientific instruments in Elizabethan London. In the second part, the author describes in detail the provenance and context of all the existing scientific instruments from this period. Highly illustrated throughout this book is a fascinating and scholarly study of a neglected period.