Time Machines: Scientific Explorations in Deep Time

by Peter D. Ward

Book Overview

In ten essays united by a common theme, acclaimed author Peter D. Ward shows how paleontologists use time machines to probe the distant past. The machines may be as simple as a rock hammer, as humble as a magnifying glass or as esoteric as a mass spectrometer, but when powered by the imagination of scientists willing to take creative risks, each takes us on a fascinating journey to long-ago worlds. In the tradition of Loren Eisley and Steven Jay Gould,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 038798416X
• ISBN13: 9780387984162
• Release Date: September 1998
• Publisher: Copernicus Books
• Length: 241 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Another great book from Peter Ward

I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Time Machines." The title is Ward's way of describing the tools that paleontologists use to learn about "deep time" -- things like isotopic ratios, paleomagnetism, sedimentology, cladistics, etc. You might think that a description of these would read like a dry textbook, but of course Ward mixes in stories of adventure in the field, and interesting controversies among scientists, and reconstructions of ancient ecosystems so it comes across as a very stimulating and satisfying mix. If you enjoyed "On Methuselah's Trail" I'm sure you will enjoy "Time Machines." The two books dovetail interestingly -- for example in "On Methuselah's Trail" Ward describes an encounter with an angry Basque who points to holes drilled in the rocks near Zumaya in northern Spain. We don't learn why he drilled the holes in "Methuselah" but in "Time Machines" we learn that he was trying to study paleomagnetism, and why. The fact that it didn't work in this instance just becomes part of Ward's compelling story. It's hard to praise Ward enough -- so many books about paleontology are boring or wordy or overly self-serving. Ward's books are full of information, but downright tasty!