Exhaustive, authoritative and comprehensive, using 160 statistical tables, this book addresses the fundamental structure of materials and remediation, and looks at the properties of water and water-induced degradation and deterioration, with chapters on moisture effects in buildings and materials, corrosion theory and metal protection. The authors explain the behaviour of materials in fires, fundamental fire resistance principles and techniques, calculation of flame temperatures, and the removal of heat by nitrogen and other combustion products. It addresses properties performance, degradation of masonry, plastics, adhesives, sealants, timber, glass and fibre composites, metals and alloy elements. Phase diagrams show cooling curves and structure for metals and alloys. Concrete technology is developed in relation to degradation, electro-potential mapping and cathodic protection of reinforced concrete. The book is fully updated to current British and European standards.
Addresses the fundamental structure of materials and remediation and looks at the properties of water and water-induced degradation and deteriorationExplains the behaviour of materials in fires, fundamental fire resistance principles and techniques, calculation of flame temperatures and the removal of heatFully updated to current British and European standards

Biogeography was stuck in a "natural history phase" dominated by the collection of data, the young Princeton biologists Robert H. MacArthur and Edward O. Wilson argued in 1967. In this book, the authors developed a general theory to explain the facts of island biogeography. The theory builds on the first principles of population ecology and genetics to explain how distance and area combine to regulate the balance between immigration and extinction in island populations. The authors then test the theory against data. "The Theory of Island Biogeography" was never intended as the last word on the subject. Instead, MacArthur and Wilson sought to stimulate new forms of theoretical and empirical studies, which will lead in turn to a stronger general theory. Even a third of a century since its publication, the book continues to serve that purpose well. From popular books like David Quammen's "Song of the Dodo" to arguments in the professional literature, "The Theory of Island Biogeography" remains at the center of discussions about the geographic distribution of species. In a new preface, Edward O. Wilson reviews the origins and consequences of this classic book.

First published in 1972 and now available for the first time in paperback, this book is the summation of the life work of one of the most influential scientists of our time. Of permanent interest in the history and philosophy of science, it is also frequently cited in the current ecological literature and is still up-to-date in many categories.

"The theme running through this book," MacArthur wrote, "is that the structure of the environment, the morphology of the species, the economics of species behavior, and the dynamics of population changes are the four essential ingredients of all interesting biogeographic patterns." Written in his beautifully lucid style, this work will continue to be read by anyone concerned with biological ideas.