The Great Scientists

By Jack Meadows and A.J. Meadows

Book Overview

This lively history of the development of science and its relationship to society combines vivid biographies of twelve pivotal scientists, commentary on the social and historical events of their time, and over four hundred illustrations, including many in color. The biographies span from classical times to the Atomic Age, covering Aristotle, Galileo, Harvey, Newton, Lavoisier, Humboldt, Faraday, Darwin, Pasteur, Curie, Freud, and Einstein.
Through the biographies and a wealth of other material, the volume reveals how social forces have influenced the course of science. Along with the highly informative color illustrations, it contains much archival material never before published, ranging from medieval woodcuts, etchings from Renaissance anatomy texts, and pages from Harvey's journal, to modern false-color x-rays and infrared photographs of solar flares. A beautifully-designed, fact-filled, stimulating work, The Great Scientists will fascinate anyone with an interest in science and how history can influence scientific discovery.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195208153
• ISBN13: 9780195208153
• Release Date: November 1989
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 2.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.5" x 11.0"

Customer Reviews

Excellent resource, but too opinionated.

This book is richly illustrated and puts the life and times of great scientists into historical perspective and context. It is an enjoyable read for anyone interested in learning about the major scientific figures of our history. However, the author seems to push, very subtley I might add, for Christianity. In one instance he says that the existence of God has been proven (150). On numerous pages he makes errant claims, such as the one that Christianity has been science-friendly thoughout history (163). It seems that the author has some conflict between his faith and his science and takes it out on his readers. I don't think this is wrong, but it would be better left out of encyclopedic material. Don't let that turn you off: the pro-religious propaganda is in very small amounts. Aside from that, this book is superb and should make a welcome addition to your bookshelf!