Albert Einstein, one of the most prolific scientists of the twentieth century, developed the theory of relativity which was crucial for the advancement of modern physics. Young Einstein identified a paradox between Newtonian Mechanics and Maxwell's equations which pointed to a flawed understanding of space and time by the scientists of the day. In Relativity, Einstein presents his findings using a minimal amount of mathematical language, but the text can still be challenging for readers who lack an extensive scientific background. The Routledge Guidebook to Einstein's Relativity expands on and supplements this seminal text, by exploring: the historical context of Einstein's work and the background to his breakthroughs details of experimental verification of special and general relativity the enduring legacy of Einstein's theories and their implications for future scientific breakthroughs. This is an essential introduction for students of physics, philosophy and history in understanding the key elements of the work and the importance of this classic text to society today.

"Science today is a truly global enterprise. This book is a comprehensive, thematic survey of the history of science from its roots in different cultures around the world through to the present day. James Trefil traces how modern science spread from its roots in Western Europe to the worldwide activity it is today, exploring crucial milestones such as the Copernican revolution, the germ theory of disease, and the theory of relativity. In doing so, he also examines the enormous social and intellectual changes they initiated. Opening with a discussion of the key elements of modern scientific enterprise, the book goes on to explore the earliest scientific activities, moving through to Greece and Alexandria, science in the Muslim world, and then on to Isaac Newton, atomic theory and the major developments of the nineteenth century. After examining the most recent scientific activities across the world, the book concludes by identifying future directions for the field. Suitable for introductory courses and students new to the subject, this concise and lively study reconsiders the history of science from the perspective of world and comparative history"--

Edited by acclaimed science writer and physicist James Trefil, the Encyclopedia's 1000 entries combine in-depth coverage with a vivid graphic format to bring every facet of science, technology, and medicine into stunning focus. From absolute zero to the Mesozoic era to semiconductors to the twin paradox, Trefil and his co-authors have an uncanny ability to convey how the universe works and to show readers how to apply that knowledge to everyday problems.

Albert Einstein, one of the most prolific scientists of the twentieth century, developed the theory of relativity which was crucial for the advancement of modern physics. Young Einstein identified a paradox between Newtonian Mechanics and Maxwell's equations which pointed to a flawed understanding of space and time by the scientists of the day. In Relativity, Einstein presents his findings using a minimal amount of mathematical language, but the text can still be challenging for readers who lack an extensive scientific background. The Routledge Guidebook to Einstein's Relativity expands on and supplements this seminal text, by exploring: the historical context of Einstein's work and the background to his breakthroughs details of experimental verification of special and general relativity the enduring legacy of Einstein's theories and their implications for future scientific breakthroughs. This is an essential introduction for students of physics, philosophy and history in understanding the key elements of the work and the importance of this classic text to society today.

Destined to be a leader in the field The Encyclopedia of Science and Technology is a revolutionary, full-colour, A-Z guide that sets a new standard for science reference. Edited by acclaimed science writer and physicist James Trefil, it contains over 1,000 entries which combine in-depth coverage with a vivid graphic format to bring every facet of science, technology and medicine into stunning focus. From absolute zero to the Mesozoic era and semiconductors to the twin paradox, Trefil and his co-editors have an uncanny ability to convey how the universe works and to show readers how to apply that knowledge to everyday problems.
Each entry distils a subject's key aspects, its limitations and controversies, its experiments and theories, thus capturing the excitement of scientific discovery and insight. A unique system of cross-referencing leads readers from theory to practice, tracing relationships across disciplines over time. For example, an entry on ageing guides the reader to both its scientific roots in the cell cycle and its social dimensions in population ecology.
Unmatched in its scope and presentation, The Encyclopedia of Science and Technology is certain to become a favourite one-volume science and technology reference for general readers and students alike.
Key Features:
*'Critical Path' indicators show which entry to read for background to a subject, and which to read after it for further developments in the field.
*750 full-colour photographs, charts, diagrams and drawings, carefully selected to illustrate key concepts
*concise definitions preface each entry
*broad and in-depth coverage - encyclopedia length entries detail each subject's historical development, scientific relevance and social significance
*sidebars relate historical anecdotes, striking phenomena and reports from cutting-edge current research
*'Signpost' cross references highlight other relevant articles in the encyclopedia.

In this thought-provoking follow-up to his acclaimed StarTalk book, uber astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson tackles the world's most important philosophical questions about the universe with wit, wisdom, and cutting-edge science. For science geeks, space and physics nerds, and all who want to understand their place in the universe, this enlightening new book from Neil deGrasse Tyson offers a unique take on the mysteries and curiosities of the cosmos, building on rich material from his beloved StarTalk podcast. In these illuminating pages, illustrated with dazzling photos and revealing graphics, Tyson and co-author James Trefil, a renowned physicist and science popularizer, take on the big questions that humanity has been posing for millennia--How did life begin? What is our place in the universe? Are we alone?--and provide answers based on the most current data, observations, and theories. Populated with paradigm-shifting discoveries that help explain the building blocks of astrophysics, this relatable and entertaining book will engage and inspire readers of all ages, bring sophisticated concepts within reach, and offer a window into the complexities of the cosmos.

Acclaim for Are We Unique?
""In his masterful book, Trefil shares with readers some of the most recent research in neurology, evolution, primate research, computer science, and philosophy. Trefil's prose is lively and engaging."" --Boston Globe
""Trefil's race through the science that could explain the brain is highly readable."" --Sunday Times of London
""In a provocative essay, Trefil argues that the science of artificial intelligence is progressing rapidly. Machines, he theorizes, will one day develop a new kind of intelligence and self-awareness. So, maybe the real question is: Are we ready?"" --San Diego Union-Tribune
""A highly readable and engaging treatment of a fascinating question. Trefil makes a case for human uniqueness while at the same time celebrating the achievements of creations ranging from lobsters to neural nets. A provocative and enjoyable book."" --Daniel L. Schacter Professor and Chair of Psychology, Harvard University author of Searching for Memory

In this novel examination of the issue of abortion, the authors offer a primer in the biological aspects of fetal development and its impact on the abortion controversy. Although purely scientific study cannot offer a universal solution to the issue of abortion, nor can a purely political or moral response be fully informed without the benefit of the latest scientific knowledge.

Reviewing the latest developments in molecular biology, evolutionary biology, embryology, and neurophysiology, the authors reveal a surprising agreement of scientific opinion on when 'humanness' begins: with the development of a highly developed cerebral cortex. It is on this issue that the authors focus with sensitivity to the myriad of ethical and religious arguments that surround it.

The question of whether abortion should or should not be permitted, and under what circumstances, is among the most difficult and sometimes anguished decisions for contemporary men and women. How we feel about this issue, and what actions we take, help to define our image of who we are as social beings. In the midst of the surrounding political, ethical, and religious debate, people everywhere are once again examining their conscience and their beliefs, and turning to unutilized sources of information as they seek to come to terms with this contentious issue. And as emotions run high, it is helpful to step back from the highly charged arena to reconsider the underlying scientific facts about human development.
In The Facts of Life, Harold Morowitz and James Trefil, two distinguished scientists and science writers, examine what modern biology can contribute to our understanding of this debate. Sensitive to the myriad ethical and religious arguments beyond the realm of science that swirl around abortion, the authors focus on one crucial question--when does a fetus acquire "humanness," that quality that sets us apart from all other living things. From the viewpoint of science, they argue, "humanness" begins with the possession of a highly developed cerebral cortex. While humans are linked via cell structure and cell chemistry with all life on our planet--from monkeys to fruit flies to pumpkins--it is the human brain structure which makes us who we are. Reviewing the latest advances in molecular biology, evolutionary biology, embryology, neurophysiology, and neonatology--fields that all bear on this question--the authors reveal a surprising consensus of scientific opinion on when humanness begins.
A lucid primer on the biological aspects of the abortion issue, The Facts of Life is also a fascinating inquiry, across various scientific disciplines, into what makes us uniquely human. Anyone who struggles with the issue of abortion will be grateful to find a work that moves this heated issue from the intensely emotional area it has occupied to the calmer domain of science.

For space enthusiasts, science lovers, and star gazers, the newly revised edition of National Geographic's enduring guide to space, with a new introduction by American hero Buzz Aldrin, combines thoroughly updated maps, lavish photographs, and elegant illustrations to chart the solar system, the universe, and beyond. A guided tour of the solar system, the Milky Way galaxy, the universe, and beyond, with detailed maps and fascinating imagery from recent space missions partnered with clear, authoritative scientific information. Starting with the sun and moving outward into space, acclaimed science writer and physicist James Trefil illuminates each planet, the most important moons, significant asteroids, and other objects in our solar system. Moving beyond, he explains what we know about the Milky Way and other galaxies beyond--and how we know it. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of his moonwalk, astronaut and American hero Buzz Aldrin offers a special section on Earth's moon and its essential role in space exploration past and future.

Diamond Worlds, Super Earths, Pulsar Planets and the New Search for Life Beyond our Solar System

In this fast-paced information age, how can Americans know what's really important and what's just a passing fashion? Now more than ever, we need a source that concisely sums up the knowledge that matters to Americans -- the people, places, ideas, and events that shape our cultural conversation. With more than six thousand entries,The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy is that invaluable source. Wireless technology. Gene therapy. NAFTA. In addition to the thousands of terms described in the original Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, here are more than five hundred new entries to bring Americans' bank of essential knowledge up to date. The original entries have been fully revised to reflect recent changes in world history and politics, American literature, and, especially, science and technology. Cultural icons that have stood the test of time (Odysseus, Leaves of Grass, Cleopatra, the Taj Mahal, D-Day) appear alongside entries on such varied concerns as cryptography, the digital divide, the European Union, Kwanzaa, pheromones, SPAM, Type A and Type B personalities, Web browsers, and much, much more. As our world becomes more global and interconnected, it grows smaller through the terms and touchstones that unite us. As E. D. Hirsch writes in the preface, "Community is built up of shared knowledge and values -- the same shared knowledge that is taken for granted when we read a book or newspaper, and that is also taken for granted as part of the fabric that connects us to one another." A delicious concoction of information for anyone who wants to be in the know, The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy brilliantly confirms once again that it is "an excellent piece of work . . . stimulating and enlightening" (New York Times) -- the most definitive and comprehensive family sourcebook of its kind.

"Science today is a truly global enterprise. This book is a comprehensive, thematic survey of the history of science from its roots in different cultures around the world through to the present day. James Trefil traces how modern science spread from its roots in Western Europe to the worldwide activity it is today, exploring crucial milestones such as the Copernican revolution, the germ theory of disease, and the theory of relativity. In doing so, he also examines the enormous social and intellectual changes they initiated. Opening with a discussion of the key elements of modern scientific enterprise, the book goes on to explore the earliest scientific activities, moving through to Greece and Alexandria, science in the Muslim world, and then on to Isaac Newton, atomic theory and the major developments of the nineteenth century. After examining the most recent scientific activities across the world, the book concludes by identifying future directions for the field. Suitable for introductory courses and students new to the subject, this concise and lively study reconsiders the history of science from the perspective of world and comparative history"--

Award-winning writer James Trefil takes readers on a tantalizing journey to the outer reaches of the universe. Along the way he discusses scientific questions such as; How did the universe begin and what is its ultimate fate? He also explores such phenomena as the Big Bang theory, "Hubble bubbles, " and" "Wimps.""

In his previous books, "A Scientist At The Seashore" and "Meditations At Sunset," James Trefil used commonplace settings in the natural world as a point of departure for probing the mysteries of nature. In "A Scientist In The City," Trefil takes the opposite tack, looking at the quintessential man-made environment of the city as a way of examining the forces that define our world. What does the heating system of a building or the construction of a bridge tell us about the development of a city? What does the amplified environmental stress of city life on plants and animals suggest about the wild? How have scientific advances in building materials and an understanding of the structure of the atom helped to shape the cities of today? From an explanation of the evolution and influence of plate glass to reinforced steel to an analysis of the future of the skyscraper, "A Scientist In The City" offers a fascinating study of the promise and the consequences of technology in our everyday urban lives. In addition, Trefil goes on to explore how the new technologies being developed today will help to determine the changing forms that cities will take in the future. "A Scientist In The City" is the kind of book that will open our eyes to the man-made world around us, and show us some of the scientific reasons for why we live the way we do.

Discoveries in Modern Science: Exploration, Invention, Technology will cover more than 300 of the most important scientific discoveries as defined by a Board of scientists and historians. The set aims to present an in-depth treatment of curiosity-led science, as well as directed research that led to important inventions and technologies. It will spark curiosity and engagement among readers, ranging from advanced high school students, to those in college and universities, as well as educated readers. 01

Physics Is No Small Matter

From amusement park rides to critical environmental issues such as energy generation-physics affects almost every aspect of our world. In PHYSICS MATTERS, James Trefil and Robert Hazen examine the fundamental physics principles at work behind the many practical applications that fuel our society and individual lives. Their goal is to promote a deeper understanding of how the great ideas of physics connect to form a much larger understanding of the universe in which we live.

Highlights Helps readers build a general knowledge of key ideas in physics and their connection to technology and other areas of science. Promotes an appreciation of what science is, how scientific knowledge is developed, and how it differs from other intellectual activities. Examines modern technologies, including GPS, the Internet, and information technologies, as well as medical technologies, such as MRI, PET scans, CAT scans, and radioisotope tracers. Explores key issues facing the world today, such as global warning, nuclear waste, and government funding for research.