In two millenia, our knowledge of the planet and its natural laws and forces has undergone remarkable changes. This unique reference work charts this remarkable intellectual progression. By exploring the physical phenomena that inform our knowledge and summarising historical explanations this Encyclopedia presents the history of the study of the earth from antiquity to the space age. The wide-ranging articles summarise subjects as diverse as geography, imperialism, environmentalism, computers, meterology, ozone formation theories since 1800, scientific rocketry and the Scopes trial.

This report is intended to inform present and future National Park Service personnel concerning the history, challenges, and circumstances surrounding the development of the New River Gorge National River (NERI) and its sister units Gauley River National Recreation Area (GARI) and Bluestone National Scenic River (BLUE). It provides background understanding of the natural and human histories of the area, of how these have related to administration of the park, and how park administration has developed in interaction with contemporary issues and concerns.